Dealing with the effects of a traumatic brain injury can impact victims and their families in so many ways. Basic tasks, such as moving or communicating, can become a challenge the instant someone sustains a severe brain injury. When families find themselves in these circumstances, they may consider applying for Social Security disability benefits to meet the financial challenges posed by a serious injury
As June marks National Awareness Month, we take time to understand and push for treatment for the 1 million Americans whose ability to communicate has been hindered by major head trauma or stroke.
Aphasia is a neurological condition that impairs a person’s ability to convey and comprehend any form of language, including speaking, writing and gesturing. This medical condition can obviously make it difficult for a person to communicate in ways that allow them to be effective in their communication in professional and personal settings.
Fortunately for Michigan residents who are dealing with aphasia, the University of Michigan Aphasia Program is among the nation’s best centers for treating this type of brain injury. The medical professionals involved in the program utilize state-of-the-art treatments, such as music therapy, to help people recover from their condition. Currently, the center is providing treatment for people as young as 16, all the way to people over 80 years old.
Though the university’s aphasia treatment program has made significant progress since its inception 1947, there are still a great deal of challenges imposed by the neurological impairment. Without the ability to communicate, holding down a job is obviously a difficult prospect.
In addition to meeting basic financial needs for food and shelter, those with aphasia may find difficulty paying medical bills. Just as seeking cutting-edge treatments from the University of Michigan’s Aphasia Program can provides hope, submitting a successful application for SSD benefits can help many people work toward experiencing a full, healthier life.
Source: Heritage Newspapers, “June is National Aphasia Awareness Month,” June 10, 2012