By Peter Casciano, Esq.
(301) 244-4523
pcasciano@a-f.net
As a disability attorney, I represent many clients suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or “PTSD.” Most people tend to think of PTSD sufferers as soldiers returning from war, or victims of a particularly heinous assault.
However, the “trauma” referenced in a PTSD diagnosis can vary widely, and need not only be confined to the typical scenarios most of us are familiar with. A common form of trauma I see involves a past medical crisis. In fact, studies show an alarming connection between those who experience a heart attack or stroke, who then later display symptoms of PTSD:
- Prevalence of PTSD in Survivors of Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: A Meta-Analytic Review
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Prevalence and Risk of Recurrence in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: A Meta-analytic Review
PTSD Symptoms
PTSD symptoms for someone who suffered a heart attack or stroke may include:
- Intrusive thoughts about the stroke or heart attack
- Disruptive sleep
- Depression
- Anxiety
If you have experienced a health-related emergency such as a heart attack or stroke, it is imperative that you communicate what you are experiencing and feeling with your doctor. It is quite common to experience emotional symptoms after a traumatic physical event, but these symptoms cannot be left untreated. As the studies referenced above show, if symptoms of PTSD are ignored, the physical rehabilitation and recuperation progress can be jeopardized severely.
Your treating doctor, whether cardiologist, neurologist, etc., will be able to refer you to a professional who can properly diagnose and treat your PTSD.
Disability Lawyers
Are you exhibiting PTSD symptoms? Have you been diagnosed by a medical professional? If so, you may qualify to receive disability benefits. For additional information, please contact attorney Peter Casciano by phone at 301-244-4523 or by e-mail at pcasciano@a-f.net. Alternatively, you can fill out an online contact form directly on our website and we’ll get back to you to schedule a consultation.