Is narcolepsy considered a rare disease?
Narcolepsy is classified as a rare disease. The exact number of Americans impacted by narcolepsy is unknown, but it is estimated to be 1 in every 2,000 people in the United States. Because narcolepsy can go undetected and is underdiagnosed, this number is likely much higher.
Is narcolepsy a neurological disorder?
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally. At various times throughout the day, people with narcolepsy experience fleeting urges to sleep.
Does narcolepsy qualify for short term disability?
Medical Evidence The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not recognize narcolepsy as a medical condition in the Blue Book that automatically qualifies you for disability benefits.
Can you work if you have narcolepsy?
Provided that appropriate allowances are made for their sleep disorder, many people with narcolepsy are able to work, though there are obviously certain occupations that are not open to them.
Is narcolepsy a physical or mental disability?
Narcolepsy can be considered both a physical and mental disability since it affects both the body and the mind. It causes mental changes, including excessive daytime sleepiness and a loss of concentration. Other symptoms are primarily physical, like: episodes of sudden sleepiness.
What can cause cataplexy?
Cataplexy. This sudden loss of muscle tone while a person is awake leads to weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control. It is often triggered by sudden, strong emotions such as laughter, fear, anger, stress, or excitement. The symptoms of cataplexy may appear weeks or even years after the onset of EDS.
Should I tell my employer I have narcolepsy?
Work and narcolepsy You are not required to disclose your narcolepsy to an employer. But if you do not inform your supervisor, your sleepiness may be seen as laziness or lack of motivation.
How tired are people with narcolepsy?
The individual feels persistently sleepy, no matter how much sleep he or she gets at night. People with narcolepsy may wake up feeling rested and alert, but they will often have trouble staying awake for long periods of time.
Does narcolepsy qualify for Social Security disability?
Narcolepsy and Social Security Disability. As a sleep disorder caused by a central nervous system malfunction, narcolepsy can be a very debilitating impairment. Primary symptoms include extreme drowsiness and falling asleep at any time without warning. Additional symptoms can include temporary paralysis upon waking, hallucinations,…
How should I report my narcolepsy medication to the SSA?
If you take medication to treat your narcolepsy, you should document any side effects with your doctor and to the SSA. Your doctor should then report on your RFC how your narcolepsy medication impacts your ability to focus, complete tasks, and follow directions.
How can I prove that my narcolepsy causes work limitations?
To prove that your narcolepsy causes work limitations, you should provide the SSA with a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment from your treating physician. An RFC is a detailed report on how your narcolepsy affects your ability to perform work-related activities.
Should employers provide accommodation for employees with narcolepsy?
And because the symptoms of narcolepsy may be mitigated by scheduled naps, your employer would need to provide you with a place to sleep at regularly scheduled intervals. Most employers are unwilling to provide this type of accommodation.