WHAT IS FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA? Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder that mainly affects the nervous system and muscles.  Friedreich’s ataxia causes progressive damage to the nervous system. It leads to symptoms such as problems with balance, muscle weakness, and sensation loss in the legs and arms. FA is named after the German doctor Nikolaus Friedreich, who first described it in the 19th century. The condition is caused by a mutation in the FXN gene, which provides instructions for making a protein called frataxin. Frataxin plays an important role in cell function. Especiall ..read more

WHAT IS SOFT TISSUE CANCER OF THE HEAD AND NECK? Soft tissue cancer of the head and neck refers to cancers that develop in the soft tissues of this region. For example, these cancers can occur in the muscles, connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves in the head and neck area. The definition excludes cancers that arise from the bones or glands. Soft tissue cancers are relatively rare compared to other types of head and neck cancers, such as those that occur in the oral cavity, throat, or thyroid gland. Examples of soft tissue cancers of the head and neck include sarcomas. Sarcomas are canc ..read more

WHAT IS BLADDER CANCER? Bladder Cancer begins in the cells of the bladder. Your bladder is the organ in the pelvic area that stores urine. There are several types of bladder cancer, but the most common type is transitional cell carcinoma. This type begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. Other types include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The cells that form carcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder. Cancer that begins in the transitional cells may spread through the lining of the bladder and invade the bladder muscle wall. It can also spread to nearby o ..read more

EWING SARCOMA IS A RARE CHILDHOOD CANCER Ewing sarcoma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the bones and soft tissues. Named after Dr. James Ewing, who first described it in the early 20th century, this condition commonly affects children and young adults. One of the most important features of Ewing sarcoma is its genetic underpinnings. Unlike many other cancers, which are driven by mutations in specific genes, Ewing sarcoma involves chromosomal translocation.  This fusion event results in the production of an abnormal proteins that fuel the rapid growth of canc ..read more

HOW TO WIN SSD BENEFITS FOR HERNIATED DISCS A herniated disc occurs when the jelly type filling in the spinal disc breaks through the outer shell, or annulus, of the disc. When this happens, the material can press on the nerves. Thus, a herniated disc or bulging disc can pinch a nerve root and cause severe pain in your back, hips, and legs. In some cases, a bulging or herniated disc can cause muscle weakness and reflex loss. If you have neck herniation, then it can cause your arms and hands to go numb. Likewise, a low back herniation can cause your legs to go numb and lose strength. Therefore ..read more

WHAT ARE THE SSA’S DENIAL RATES? SSA denial rates don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. That is, until they effect you. Once you file an application for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you start to worry if your case will just be another SSA statistic. You can file an application today on the Social Security website. Are you going to be among the small number of people who win their case within the first three months? Or, are you going to have to wait two years to have a hearing with an SSA judge? Even if you manage to wait unti ..read more

SSDI and SSI benefits for the blind are available under SSA’s laws. In order to qualify for Social Security benefits due to blindness, you will need to provide evidence that shows you meet the visual listings. The visual listings for blindness include people who have been blind since birth. Learn more here about SSD and SSI benefits for blindness. In addition, the SSA listing applies to those who have severe vision loss due to conditions like glaucoma, retinopathy, and traumatic injury. In fact, the blind can qualify for SSD benefits and still continue to work while receiving monthly benefits ..read more

WHAT IS SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA? Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the soft tissues of your body. Your soft tissues include your muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, and the tissues surrounding your joints. Cancer of the soft tissues can develop anywhere in the body. However, the cancer is found most often in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. More than 50 types of soft tissue sarcoma exist. Some types are more likely to be found in children. Others occur  mostly in adults. Soft tissue sarcoma is rare compared to other types of c ..read more

SSA’S ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING FORM The Activities of Daily Living Form (ADL) is one of many  forms that the SSA will ask you to complete. Are you wondering how to fill out the SSA’s “Activities of Daily Living Form?” Every person who files an application for SSDI or SSI benefits has to fill out the form. At first, it appears that the questions are easy. After all, the questions are about what you do every day. However, many people struggle to complete the form. What you say on the form is important. And, our office can help you fill out this form correctly. When filling out the SSA’S A ..read more

WHAT IS SPINAL ARACHNOIDITIS? Spinal arachnoiditis is a painful condition that occurs from inflammation of the arachnoid membrane. This membrane surrounds the spinal cord nerves. It can become inflamed from various causes such as back surgery and infections. Additionally, inflammation can be caused by herniated discs, nerve damage, or spinal injuries. Most cases of arachnoiditis occur in the lumbar spine and cause chronic pain in the lower back and legs. Additional symptoms include numbness and tingling in the hands or feet, loss of bladder or bowel control, sexual dysfunction, and difficulty ..read more