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Mini-strokes may cause PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder is usually associated with veterans returning from war, those who have had near-death experiences or people who have been abused. However, a recent study from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany reported that mini-strokes could also cause PTSD, even in cases where they do not cause lasting physical damage.

PTSD can be a long-lasting ailment that is extremely difficult to deal with. Those who suffer can qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration if their case is strong enough. As this study showed, nearly a third of patients who suffered from a transient ischemic attack developed PTSD symptoms, including anxiety and depression.

Kathrin Utz, a researcher in the department of neurology, told HealthDay Reporter that doctors usually don’t put much weight into TIAs. However, they could lead sufferers to have PTSD and experience flashbacks, social isolation and nightmares, among other symptoms. To an onlooker, this may not seem bad, but PTSD can cause depression, lost sleep and a much lower quality of life over time.

About five out of 1,000 people experience TIAs in their lifetime. If you believe you are experiencing PTSD after a mini-stroke, it is a good idea to start seeing a doctor immediately to start fighting the problem immediately. SSA administrative law judges will also need to see patients taking a proactive approach to their PTSD before awarding disability benefits.

Our attorneys are very familiar with how to use the evidence and legal arguments required to win a PTSD case. Medical evidence, including all treatment records, are vital in convincing an SSA law administrative judge of the merits of a client’s case for disability benefits.