TY - JOUR AB - Purpose– This is the second instalment of a two‐part paper that aims to consider the assessment criteria for incapacity benefit (IB) and employment and support allowance (ESA) and to analyse how this benefit applies to claimants who are unable to work because they experience episodes of lost or altered consciousness.Design/methodology/approach– In the first part of the paper, which featured in Social Care and Neurodisability, Vol. 2 No. 1, the authors considered the legal meaning of lost or altered consciousness and explained how the IB/ESA appraisal and appeals system operates. This second instalment gives practical guidance to advisers who are assisting their clients in applying for ESA and appealing negative decisions to the tribunal (given its ever increasing importance, this paper focuses on ESA; however, the same considerations apply to IB cases).Findings– The paper highlights the complexities and limitations of the benefit system for those suffering with lost and altered consciousness.Practical implications– Advisers need to think laterally when assisting their clients.Originality/value– The paper should provide a useful reference point for advisers. VL - 2 IS - 3 SN - 2042-0919 DO - 10.1108/20420911111172747 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/20420911111172747 AU - Sandford Paul AU - Cooper Ed AU - Shepherd Jim PY - 2011 Y1 - 2011/01/01 TI - “Lost and altered consciousness” – a headache for many T2 - Social Care and Neurodisability PB - Emerald Group Publishing Limited SP - 158 EP - 163 Y2 - 2024/04/25 ER -