Trigeminal Neuralgia, often called the “suicidal disease,” is regarded as one of the most agonizing neurological disorders known to medicine. It occurs due to dysfunction in the trigeminal nerve, the primary sensory nerve responsible for facial sensations.
This malfunction leads to sudden, severe, electric shock-like pain on one side of the face, often triggered by simple actions such as speaking, chewing, or even light touch. While the condition does not directly damage the nerve, the intense and recurring nature of the pain can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally.
The trigeminal nerve has three branches, which supply sensation to different parts of the face the forehead and eyes, the cheek and upper jaw, and the lower jaw. Depending on which branch is affected, the pain may radiate to the teeth or gums, leading many patients to first consult dentists.
In such cases, misdiagnosis is common, and patients may undergo unnecessary dental extractions, assuming the pain is dental in origin. However, the underlying issue is neurological, not dental, and the pain persists even after multiple procedures.
Pain involving the upper part of the face, particularly around the eye or forehead, is sometimes mistaken for migraine, making diagnosis even more challenging.Differentiating between the two can be difficult, and often doctors must rely on the pattern of symptoms and response to specific medications to confirm trigeminal neuralgia.
This disorder is not only physically debilitating but also psychologically distressing. The unpredictability and severity of the pain can lead to fear, anxiety, and depression, contributing to the condition’s grim reputation.
Many patients describe the pain as unbearable, and without timely intervention, it can severely affect quality of life and mental health.
The first line of management involves medications that help calm overactive nerve signals and reduce pain. When medications fail to provide sufficient relief, more advanced treatment options are available. These include microvascular decompression surgery, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, radiofrequency lesioning, and balloon ablation.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is one of the most advanced non-invasive procedures used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. It delivers a precisely targeted dose of radiation to a small area of the nerve called the dorsal root entry zone. This modifies the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals without causing harmful effects.
The exact mechanism is not completely understood, but the outcome is often significant pain relief, which may develop over a few days to weeks. In some patients, the relief lasts for several years, while in others, it can be permanent.
Surgical treatment, known as microvascular decompression, is another effective approach. In this procedure, the surgeon separates a blood vessel that may be pressing on the trigeminal nerve and places a small Teflon cushion between them to prevent contact.
This often results in immediate and lasting pain relief, offering a potential cure in suitable patients.
For those who cannot undergo surgery due to age, health issues, or fear of invasive procedures, Gamma Knife radiosurgery remains an excellent alternative. With growing awareness and advancements in treatment, patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia can now find hope and relief.
Salman Khan’s openness about his own battle with the condition has brought much-needed attention to this painful disorder, reminding the public and the medical community alike that awareness, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment can transform lives.
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