Narcolepsy, Social Security Disability, and Applying for BenefitsIt is estimated that three million individuals worldwide suffer from narcolepsy and that there are about 200,000 in the United States alone. Narcolepsy is a life long neurological disorder that involves excessive daytime sleeping that occurs at inappropriate times and places for which there is no known cure. The cause of narcolepsy is not known; although there are indicators that narcolepsy may be the result of an autoimmune disorder or a genetic problem. There are four classic symptoms of narcolepsy; cataplexy (muscle weakness that can be mild to total collapse), sleep paralysis (paralysis of the body immediately after waking up), hypnogogia (vivid dream like state with audio, visual, and tactile sensations just prior to falling asleep and just after waking up), automatic behavior (purposeless verbal or motor behavior with no conscious control from the individual). Treatment of narcolepsy is based upon symptoms and therapeutic results, consequently each individual narcolepsy suffer has their own treatment plan. Treatment might include tricyclic anti depressants such as imipramine and clonipramine (cataplexy), amphetamine based drugs such as methylephenidate, racemic amphetamine, or even methamphetamine, and behavioral adjustments (taking short naps, not driving when sleepy etc.) Medication and relaxation techniques have proven useful in treating narcolepsy. Other natural substances used to treat narcolepsy include lecithin, flaxseed, and cayenne powder. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related Body System Impairments: Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI with Multiple Sclerosis MS Why Is It Hard to be Found Disabled for Social Security Disability or SSI for Seizures? Do You Automatically Get Approved For Disability If You Had A Stroke? Facts about Mini Strokes and Filing for Disability Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits Seizure Disorder, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits Why is Charcot-marie-tooth not on the Social Security Disability list of impairments? Charcot-marie-tooth disease and Filing for Disability Social Security Disability SSI and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Dystonia and Filing for Disability Dysautonomia and Filing for Disability Grand Mal Seizures and Filing for Disability Narcolepsy, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits Epilepsy and Filing for Disability Hydrocephalus and Filing for Disability Memory Loss and Filing for Disability Facts about Stroke and Filing for Disability If you apply for disability in Maryland Will I qualify for disability benefits in Maryland? Getting a Disability Lawyer in Maryland |
