Professional athletes battling multiple sclerosis

Recently, Trevor Bayne, a popular NASCAR driver, revealed that he has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In 2011, the then 20-year-old driver, became the youngest person in history to win the Daytona 500.

Bayne initially sought treatment for unexplained numbness in his arm, although he reportedly experienced a variety of other symptoms as well. For instance, he struggled with nausea, fatigue and blurred vision. Bayne has reported that he will continue to race and is not currently in need of medication to control his symptoms.

Bayne is not the only professional athlete who has continued to participate in his sport after receiving a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Late last year, Josh Harding, a goalie in the NHL, also announced that he had been diagnosed with the illness. Thus far, Harding has been one of the leading goalies in the NHL this year.

The varied symptoms experienced by patients with MS

A multiple sclerosis diagnosis is generally accompanied by a host of questions about how the disease will affect the patient’s life going forward. While some patients may be able to continue their normal activities for quite some time – like Bayne and Harding – others may experience severe symptoms relatively quickly.

In most cases, those faced with an MS diagnosis have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In other words, patients have periods in which they experience MS symptoms followed by periods in which they do not suffer from the effects of the disease. Some common symptoms experienced by those with MS include numbness, vision problems, tremors, fatigue and slurred speech; however, the symptoms generally vary from one patient to another.

Consider Social Security disability benefits when diagnosed with MS

Those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, even if their symptoms are not always present. For patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, SSD benefits may be available during the time in which they are unable to work due to their symptoms.

In addition, patients diagnosed with a rare form of MS, referred to as malignant multiple sclerosis, are included on the compassionate allowances list. Patients with this form of MS, which typically progresses quite rapidly, are eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits through an expedited process.

If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it is important that you understand your rights when it comes to your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. Consider seeking the advice of a skilled Social Security disability attorney to ensure you understand the benefits to which you may be entitled.