Multiple Sclerosis and Social Security Disability Benefits
Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the central nervous system, causing a wide variety of problems including lack of muscle coordination, weakness and vision loss. MS is also a chronic disorder with no cure, often resulting in severe disability. Many believe that MS is an autoimmune disease because the body’s antibodies and white blood cells actually attack healthy proteins in the myelin sheath, the insulation around the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. As a result, the nerve signals that control things like muscle coordination are slowed or blocked. MS is estimated to affect more than 1 million people worldwide.
Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis may experience a variety of signs and symptoms, depending on which nerve fibers suffered damage. Effects of this disease can include:
- Numbness in the extremities
- Pain throughout the body
- Tingling
- Shocking sensations
- Tremor
- Unsteady gait
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Slurred speech
- Paralysis
- Bladder/bowel problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Lack of concentration
When someone has MS, the body’s defense system turns on the healthy cells of the myelin sheath, causing the myelin to become inflamed and swollen. The weakened myelin then detaches from the nerve fibers it is meant to protect, leaving the fibers vulnerable. Scar tissue then forms over the nerve fibers causing nerve impulses to be blocked. Eventually, the nerves suffer irreparable damage and are unable to carry out vital processes. While no clear explanation for what causes this autoimmune reaction has been discovered, researchers believes genetics or the presence of a foreign viral protein may play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis. Immune system changes due to viral infection, pregnancy, and other events may also play a part.
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
There are many different types of treatments for MS that can improve a patient’s quality of life. Immune-suppressing medications can be integral in slowing the progression of the disease and preventing attacks. Physical therapy and other therapies may help control the symptoms. Injectable therapy and infusion therapy are two modern treatments that have produced favorable results in MS patients.
To learn more about multiple sclerosis, please visit the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America or WebMD’s Multiple Sclerosis Health Center. If you or a member of your family suffers from MS, talk to one of our experienced disability attorneys. We can help you apply for disability benefits or appeal disability denials. Please contact our Social Security Disability Insurance lawyers today to set up your free injury case review.
The Cochran Firm handles Social Security disability claims for clients throughout the United States of America. Please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a free Social Security disability case evaluation.
