Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia and Social Security Disability Benefits
Syringomyelia is an illness that involves the spinal cord and the damage caused to it by the development of a fluid-filled cavity. The fluid usually collects around the base of the neck, slowly applying pressure to the spine, thus causing damage over time. Headaches, loss/reduction of muscle function, and numbness/pain throughout the body are symptoms for this illness. Symptoms however, may not be present at all, or at least not until the condition has become worse.
The illness can cause the individual to have limited use of their extremities, making it hard to work. Pain may also restrict what they can or cannot due on a daily basis.
Syringomyelia and Social Security Disability Benefits Help
If the applicant’s impairment falls within any of the following categories set forth by Social Security’s Listing 11.19, then a strong claim may exist. The Listing is as follows;
- Significant bulbar sign; or
- Disorganization of motor function as described in 11.04B.
The pressure applied on the spinal cord can cause the outer extremities to experience numbness, pain, and weakness. These issues will prevent an individual from being able to perform in most occupations. The person may be unable to use their arms, or even stand, without experiencing a significant amount of pain; the sufferers, exhausted by the pain, will have a difficult time working.
