What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Autoimmune diseases are frustrating and often disabling diseases. For many of these diseases, no cure is available, meaning that most who suffer from these illnesses will need to medicate and receive care for the rest of their lives to hopefully control and minimize these diseases’ effects.

The autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis, or M.S., is one of the most debilitating and can have a lifetime of painful symptoms. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the coverings of the nerves in the spinal cord, which then affects and disrupts the communications between these nerves and the brain.

The way this disease works is similar to a wire that is covered in a protective layer. When the layer is stripped away, the inner fibers of the wire are exposed, and the electricity that runs through the wire does not run correctly anymore, meaning that whatever the wire runs power to is either getting only partial electrical signals or is getting no signals at all. When the electric currents running to parts of the body are interrupted, the body cannot function correctly. In some cases, this can mean temporary interruptions of function. In other cases, it can mean permanent paralysis. 

Those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will likely need to file for disability, depending on their skill set and the severity of their illness. However, even with a doctor’s diagnosis and recommendation, some insurance companies will try to deny a disability claim of someone with M.S. When that happens, looking for the advice and services of a disability insurance lawyer is where you should turn to help you get the insurance claim you need and have every right to.

How Can Multiple Sclerosis Affect You?

Multiple sclerosis has a long list of symptoms, which can mean that a diagnosis of M.S. can be difficult to get, especially if your family does not have a history of autoimmune diseases. Some of the symptoms of M.S. are:

• A numb or weak feeling in one or more of your limbs, which can start on either one side of your body or can start at the trunk and legs
• Vision loss that is either complete or partial, usually starting in one eye before progressing to the next eye
• Tingling and/or pain in various parts of your body
• Speech that is slurred
• A lack of coordination and/or tremors
• Dizziness
• Issues dealing with the bowels and bladder function

These symptoms, especially when multiple of them present together, can be signs of M.S. If you experience these symptoms, you should talk with a doctor and get tested. The sooner you are diagnosed, the sooner you can begin treatment to hopefully help control your M.S. and possibly slow its progression. No matter how far along you are in your treatment, however, you have a right to speak with a disability lawyer if your insurance company refuses to help. 

Philadelphia Disability Insurance Lawyer Fighting for You

After your disability claim is wrongfully denied by an insurance company, it’s time for you to seek the help of an insurance disability lawyer. At Edelstein Martin & Nelson, we have experience helping you fight the insurance companies denying you your disability claim. We are ready to help you today, so call us at 800-887-4529.