Epilepsy is one of the conditions listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, which means that if you meet the requirements in the Blue Book listing for epilepsy you may be able to get disability benefits.
Can you drive if you have temporal lobe epilepsy?
To drive, you must meet all normal driving requirements and
must have been completely free of seizures for one year
, with or without taking anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Different regulations may apply if your seizures do not affect your consciousness (see below).
Does temporal lobe epilepsy qualify for disability?
Adults with epilepsy may be eligible for
Social Security disability benefits
. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates epilepsy according to the type, frequency, duration, and nature of the seizures.
Is Temporal Lobe Epilepsy progressive?
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) can
be a progressive disorder
, potentially resulting in structural damage and a decline of cognitive abilities over time. This is particularly evident in cases that are refractory to medication.
How serious is temporal lobe epilepsy?
Overall, the prognosis for people with drug-resistant medial temporal lobe epilepsy includes a
higher risk for memory and mood problems
, lower quality of life, and an increased risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). If surgery can be done to control seizures, these risks and problems can be improved.
What happens if temporal lobe epilepsy goes untreated?
Seizures, especially ones that start in the temporal lobe, can cause a major blow to the hippocampus. The hippocampus is very sensitive to changes in brain activity. If seizures starting here go untreated,
the hippocampus starts to harden and shrink
.
How do you know if you have temporal lobe epilepsy?
- Déjà vu (a feeling of familiarity), a memory, or jamais vu (a feeling of unfamiliarity)
- Sudden sense of fear or anxiety, anger, sadness, joy.
- A rising sick feeling in the stomach (the feeling you get in your gut riding a roller coaster)
Are you born with epilepsy or does it develop?
Epilepsy and
seizures can develop in any person at any age
. 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Factors such as other health conditions, age, and race may make developing epilepsy and seizures more likely.
Can stress cause temporal lobe seizures?
Temporal lobe epilepsy is a disease of faulty neuronal resonators rather than oscillators, and
all seizures are provoked
, usually by stress.
What medication is used for temporal lobe epilepsy?
tiagabine (Gabitril) topiramate
(Topamax) valproic acid (Depakene Depakene) vigabatrin (Sabril)
What should epileptics avoid?
- Not taking epilepsy medicine as prescribed.
- Feeling tired and not sleeping well.
- Stress.
- Alcohol and recreational drugs.
- Flashing or flickering lights.
- Monthly periods.
- Missing meals.
- Having an illness which causes a high temperature.
Does epilepsy shorten life span?
Reduction in life
expectancy can be up to 2 years for people
with a diagnosis of idiopathic/cryptogenic epilepsy, and the reduction can be up to 10 years in people with symptomatic epilepsy. Reductions in life expectancy are highest at the time of diagnosis and diminish with time.
Is epilepsy considered a permanent disability?
Medically Qualifying for Disability Benefits Due to Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the conditions listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, which means that if you meet the requirements in the Blue Book listing for epilepsy you may be able to get disability benefits.
How does temporal lobe epilepsy affect a person?
Temporal lobe seizures are sometimes called focal seizures with
impaired awareness
. Some people remain aware of what’s happening, but during more-intense seizures, you might look awake but be unresponsive. Your lips and hands may make purposeless, repetitive movements.
Can temporal lobe epilepsy be inherited?
Temporal lobe epilepsy is usually caused by a problem such as mesial temporal sclerosis. However, familial temporal lobe epilepsy is
a genetic condition with autosomal dominant inheritance
.
Can temporal lobe epilepsy cause dementia?
Temporal lobe epilepsy, when subtle,
can masquerade as “pure” dementia for a period of years
, and case reports of non-convulsive, subtle seizures point out the diagnostic uncertainty attached to these two diagnoses.
