The sudden onset of Bell’s palsy can be a frightening experience. Most people assume they are having a stroke since the symptoms of the two conditions can appear to be similar. Once you reach your doctor, he or she should be able to tell the difference and help you start treatment right away.
What Is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a type of facial paralysis that affects one side of your face. It comes on suddenly (within 72 hours) and usually lasts for up to six months. The root cause is due to a malfunction of the facial nerve, but the environmental cause is still unknown. Scientists think that it can be related to a virus or underlying health condition like diabetes, migraines, or even nerve trauma.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy can appear suddenly and range from mild to severe. Some symptoms include:
- Sudden facial droop
- Loss of taste sensation
- Drooling
- Pain in your ear
- Sudden sensitivity to sound
- Facial tingling
- Balance problems
- Excessive tear production
- Vision problems
Treatments
Several treatment options are available for Bell’s palsy. These include:
Steroids: Corticosteroids like prednisone have been used to treat Bell’s palsy. Early invention (within three days of symptoms) has shown to decrease the time it takes to recover.
Eye Protection: The use of an eye mask to rest the eye at night is recommended. During the day, the use of eye ointments and eye drops will help with the dry irritation caused by the eye drooping.
Physiotherapy: Using exercises to work the facial muscles is very important to help recovery. This treatment method is very effective.
Applying for Long Term Disability with Bell’s Palsy
If you are suffering from Bell’s palsy, you may qualify for long term disability benefits to help you financially while you recover from your severe medical condition. Bell’s palsy is usually a one-time occurrence, with a typical recovery time up to six months, but sometimes it can take much longer.
If you have a job where you must be in front of people often like a sales position, marketing position, or training position, it will be tough to continue to work. Even if you are a customer service representative, you will have a difficult time communicating without the full use of your mouth and tongue. It is a good idea to look into applying for long term disability benefits to help you financially while you are on a treatment plan.
Understanding the Long Term Disability Process
Navigating the long term disability process can be a complex and time-consuming endeavor. Interacting with doctors, lawyers, and insurance agents may become wearisome, particularly when you are already grappling with the day-to-day challenges of a disability. To strengthen your disability case, it’s essential to create a thorough administrative file.
Maintain a Record of Symptoms, Treatment, Etc.
Keeping a detailed journal to record all aspects of your claim is vital to keep everything on course. This journal acts as tangible evidence that you have diligently tracked all relevant information concerning your claim. If questioned by a disability claims adjuster, this journal enables you to retrieve information swiftly.
A Doctor’s Note is Not Enough
To establish eligibility for long term disability benefits, you must furnish comprehensive medical evidence, including your diagnosis, prognosis, and the extent of your functional limitations. Merely having a note from your doctor will not suffice. Review your insurance policy to understand how your provider specifically defines “disability” or “totally disabled.”
Become Familiar with Your Policy
Request a copy of your disability policy from your employer or insurance provider as soon as you realize you will be filing a claim. Invest time in reading the policy in its entirety to understand what your insurance provider recognizes as a disability and what they do not. Document any deadlines in your journal, as missing a deadline could lead to a denial of your claim.
Consult An Attorney
Given the complexities and limitations of the appeals process, consider engaging a disability attorney early on. A seasoned disability attorney can help you monitor deadlines, assemble documents, assist with interviews, and provide guidance to enhance the likelihood of claim approval.
Mr. Ortiz, disability attorney and founder of the Ortiz Law Firm, offers his expertise through the process, from appeals to possible litigation. The firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or unexpected fees; we only get paid if you win your case. We can concentrate on your legal needs, allowing you to focus on your health.
The Ortiz Law Firm provides a free, no-obligation case evaluation. During this call, you may inquire about anything related to your claim. Having successfully represented clients in disability cases nationwide, the Ortiz Law Firm is available to discuss your case.