Seizures and disabilty?

Question

My husband had a head injury 3 years ago, has been having seizures since then. They have progressed from partial complex to grand mal and as of last night status seizures. His neurologist has said he can do nothing more besides give medicine, until he can see a neuropsychologist. We have no insurance, but it doesn't matter. Whatever he needs it is well worth it. He has tried various medications. Legally in my state, you have to wait 6 months to drive after your last seizure. This will affect him being able to work. I don't really know where to turn. My question is this: Can the state do anything to help? Is he handicapped? Where would I go to find info about this? Will he be able to live a normal life and have a job? Sorry for the lengthy bio, I have just run out of options and don't know what else to do. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I live in NY. I know several people who have Seizure Disorder & qualify for MediCare & MedicAide.
I would contact a local hospital & ask to speak to a Social Worker. I would also contact you local Epilepsy Foundation & ask for guidance.
There IS help out there; you just need to look around until you find it. Bless your heart for staying faithful to your husband. He's lucky to have found you.

Answer 2

I would suggest looking into disability through your doctor and get a good disability lawyer. He can be considered handicapped especially with a head injury and sounds like a frontal lobe injury. The state should be able to assist you with all your questions. Contact the Health and Human Services and go from there. Your doctor should also have information on this. The six month period until you are able to drive is also a law where I live. Yes, the state should be able to help you. If you are an EMT, ask some of the doctors in the ER. Contact Medicaid as well. Do all you can. The first suggestion is your best. Find a lawyer to help you. Some will not charge you unless they lose the case and I don't believe your case will be lost. There are some hospitals that your husband could be placed in for additional help in learning new skills, but without insurance, I just don't know.

I am sorry you are in such a predicament. This must be very hard on you as well as your husband.

Answer 3

My first question is how did he get the head injury? Was someone else at fault? You need to call the neurologist office and tell them what is going on and request a sooner appointment. This is bull. Be nice but very persistent. I would apply for Social Security Disability as he does qualify with uncontrolled seizure disorder. I would then apply to medicaid to get medical assistance until the disability is approved. You may have to get an attorney but don't hesitate. They normally do not charge you anything up front. The take a portion of the disability backpay you will get when he is approved. Good luck.

Answer 4

I did have a job for a log time. I have petit-mal and gran-mal seizures. i have had them for 26 years. I am 33 now. Once I had my daughter, they increased dramatically. Not to mention premenstrual my seizures get awful also. I used to depend on my hubby and cab to take me to work. The cab got expensive and my hubby couldn't take me any longer. I started depending on my co workers to pick me up and take me home. They were OK with this.. I primarily worked in restaurants, it was cash coming in. I paid for the utilities and groceries.
Now, I am on disability. But, it will take about 1 year, to 2 to get on it. He will be turned down the first time. Expect that. Then he will not be put on medicare until the 2 year anniversary. But once you have been approved of disability, you can apply for medicaid at the state level at your county social services office.
Good luck, I hope this helps
Oh yeah, I advise you to get a lawyer at the beginning of your second application for disability. I did! And it worked!

Answer 5

your husband could probably qualify for disability if he was diagnosed with something. ask your doctor about epilepsy. its a disease that causes seizures but they are not sure why. there is not treatment for epilepsy/seizures, just ways to prevent and slow the occurences. he may be able to have a normal life and live normally depending on his job and other things. with epilepsy, he probably will not be able to drive...you can have seizures at anytime. some things that provoke seizures though are alcohal, sleep deprivation, and any other unnormal things during the day. i hope this helped(i'm actually young but i've had to read up all about this for something at school!)

Answer 6

You need to get a lawyer.I have epilepsy,it got so bad for me I had to stop working.I worked the same job for 11 years but try as I might I was unable to keep working.I had migranes and seizures every day.It will take time.for my wife and I it took a year.I am now on SSI.It sometimes hurts my pride but I DID IT FOR MY FAMILY. Check out the lawyers in your area and good luck.

Answer 7

I would get a proper SPECT scan at the Amen clinic ASAP. By doing this you will know exactly the right medicines to use, and top notch guidance through this. They specialize in head injuries.

Answer 8

It appears as though your husband's medical problems will be (at least temporarily) impeding his ability to earn a living. This should be sufficient grounds upon which to claim disability.

Answer 9

sounds like it is time to file for SSD . get ahold of a lawyer that specificaly deals with social security

Answer 10

For resources on what you can do, try:
http://www.epilepsy.org
http://www.epilepsy.com
http://www.ssa.gov
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org

Those websites can give you some jumping-off points in your search for knowledge.

Good luck to you and your husband. :-)