My First DLA Medical

It has taken 4 years to diagnose a Spinal Cord Injury in my Cervical Spine and Im deteriorating quickly. I have seen 3 Neuro Surgeons and all agree surgery unwise. Injury leaves me with a heavy left arm ...numbness and loss of faculty. Persistent pain across my upper back. Ocipital Neuraligia causes severe headaches and damage to my trigeminal nerve affects a radius around my right shoulder blade into my face ? I am weak, tired due interupted sleep and my medication presents a catalogue of side effects but I notice my balance and coordination is affecting my ability to walk with confidence and I need support more so when out of doors on grounds of risk caused by my inability to rotate my neck fully to ensure safety when walking on the footway or crossing a road. Im on preGablin, butrans patches ( morphine ) Kapake and still trying to establish a doseage to alleviate the persistent pain and discomfort. I suffer interupted sleep and just cannot find a comfortable position to rest ? Despite my condition and topical reading on DLA matters I dont feel confident that I will receive an award ? Is anyone able to share any advice ? Maybe soeone whose condition is similar Spinal Cord Injury ? Thanks.

Hi 2 young. Please get face to face adice from a welfare rights officer, if you have any written medical reports from your consultant/s, take them with you. Your illness/condition comes secondary to any DLA award, it is how it affects your mobility/care needs on a daily basis. Please also look at the DLA guides on this site it may well be worth you putting in claim. But please get advice. Best Wishes.

Hi 2young
Like you I have spinal cord damage,in operable and causing paralysis of the arms, plus trigeminal neuralgia. Has your GP or consultants ever suggested 'Tegretol' sometimes also called 'Carbamazepine', I've been on it for nearly a year now and it is giving some respite and allowing me to sleep a little.
Hope this helps.
Cheers, Pen.