If you have trouble communicating or controlling your arms or legs, you may qualify for disability insurance.
“Stroke” is listed under the Nervous System as a “Central nervous system vascular accident” in the SSA.Gov Listings. Under this listing, section 11.04 says that a person may qualify:
With one of the following more than 3 months post-vascular accident:
- Sensory or motor aphasia resulting in ineffective speech or communication; or
- Significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station (see 11.00C).
In simpler terms, if you cannot effectively (1) write or speak, or (2) use two or more of your limbs (an arm and a leg, both arms, or both legs), then you most likely qualify.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a condition when the brain cells in the victim suddenly die due to a lack of oxygen. It can be caused by a sudden loss of blood flow or the rupturing of an artery that usually feeds the brain.
While some strokes can be quick and minimally damaging, many strokes damage the victim’s memory, ability to speak, or function of certain limbs (or one side of the body). The outcome usually depends on the section of the brain in which the stroke occurs.
There are two main types of strokes: an Ischemic stroke, and a hemorrhagic stroke.
Ischemic Stroke
Accounting for almost 87% of all strokes, an Ischemic stroke occurs when a thrombus, or blood clot, blocks blood flow to part of the brain. The clot does not always form in the brain, but is often an embolus—or a clot which breaks off from another part of the body and becomes free floating. It then makes its way to the brain and blocks blood flow.
Hemorrhagic stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel on the surface of the brain ruptures and fills up the space between the skull and the brain with blood, or when an artery in the brain bursts and fills the surrounding tissue.
Symptoms
According to Stroke.Org, common stroke symptoms include:
- SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body.
- SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause.
Smaller strokes my not cause noticeable symptoms, but can still cause damage to the brain tissue.
Stroke Prevention
First, knowing the symptoms of a stroke and being able to recognize when you are having a mini stroke will help you to avoid a more serious, more damaging stroke.
Besides this, the best way to prevent a stroke is by living a healthy lifestyle
- Not smoking
- Keeping your blood pressure low
- Decreasing your intake of sodium and fatty foods
- Lowering cholesterol
- Staying hydrated on hot days
- Keeping stress under control
- Staying physically active
We understand that strokes are very serious and that they can keep you from enjoying and performing normal every day activities, including work. We are the Social Security Disability Experts in Utah. If you are currently disabled because of a stroke and can no longer work, please contact us and let us help you through the process of getting the benefits you deserve.
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