Syncope – Fainting – What is it?
Syncope is the short lived loss of consciousness for a brief moment, commonly referred to as fainting. It occurs when there is decreased flow of blood to the brain that leads to a limited supply of oxygen to the brain. Syncope can also occur when there is a generally limited supply of oxygen to the whole body, not just the brain.
A sudden drop in blood pressure that reduces blood flow and oxygen flow can cause syncope. Syncope can also be caused by emotional stress, hunger, dehydration, anxiety, fear, drugs, or alcohol. Abnormal heart rhythm and obstructed blood flow in the blood vessels are also causes of syncope.
Syncope can be:
- Situational
- Postural
- Cardiac
- Neurologic
- Vasovagal
There are various symptoms of syncope, which include light-headedness, dizziness, grogginess, blacking out, feeling unsteady or weak upon standing or after rapidly movement, and drowsiness. Other symptoms include nausea and irregular heartbeat. One can avoid a syncopal event by sitting or lying down.
Various treatments are used to treat syncope, and the choice of treatment usually depends on the cause. Once the underlying cause of syncope is determined, an appropriate method of treatment can be chosen. The various treatment methods include changing to new medication or changing the medication dosage, especially in cases where syncope is caused by medication. Sometimes, wearing support garments can help improve blood circulation in the body and prevent a limited supply of blood to the brain.
Taking precautions when changing positions, such as standing slowly, also helps to prevent syncope caused by positional change. Using a pacemaker to the control heart rate and avoid irregular heart rates helps prevent cardiac syncope.
Qualifying for Benefits with Fainting – Syncope
Fainting, or syncope, can be serious if it continues to occur. As such, it is a condition that can qualify you for disability benefits. If you suffer from syncope to the extent that you have limited ability and cannot work, then you can be eligible for social security disability benefits.
Syncope results from inadequate cardiac output. As such, the Social Security Administration Blue Book evaluates syncope as a condition listed under the cardiovascular system. In order to qualify for benefits, you should be able to provide medical records, treatment reports, and tests results to show that your condition is indeed serious and that it limits your ability to work or engage in meaningful activity.
Even with the medical records and reports, you must have suffered from syncope for a period of two years or be expected to suffer from syncope for a period of two years in order to qualify for benefits. Available benefits include:
- Social security disability insurance
- Supplemental security income
- Medical vocational allowance
If your syncope occurs frequently, to the extent that it becomes impossible for you to work, then you can qualify for social security disability benefits.
Why You Need a Disability Attorney to Help with Your Syncope Disability Claim
Even though the Social Security Administration lists syncope as one of the impairments that qualify for disability benefits, you may not always get the benefits outright. This is why you may need a disability attorney—to help you in instances where issues arise in your benefits application.
A disability attorney will assist you by showing without doubt that indeed you need disability benefits because your syncope condition renders you unable to engage in any work or meaningful activity. In addition, in the case of a rejected application, your disability lawyer will help you in the appeals process in order to ensure that you get your rightful benefits.
A disability attorney will help you:
- With legal issues in your disability benefits claim
- In your appeal, in cases you may need to appeal
- Prove your condition and that you indeed need disability benefits
Getting your disability benefits is not a smooth process, and most people find that a disability attorney is of great help.
