Trigeminal Neuralgia, often referred to as the ‘Suicide Disease,’ is a painful condition that few people are truly familiar with—unless, of course, you happen to suffer from it. Recently, Bollywood Superstar Salman Khan opened up about his long-standing battle with this condition, revealing that he has been struggling with Suicide Disease since 2007.
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, the fifth and longest cranial nerve, responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain. When something goes wrong with this nerve, it causes sudden, sharp and often unbearable pain in areas like the jaw, cheeks, lips and sometimes even the eyes or forehead. These intense, electric shock-like pain episodes can last for a few seconds to several minutes, but they tend to occur in rapid, successive bursts, leaving the sufferer helpless and often in tears.
For many people living with TN, even simple actions such as brushing their teeth, talking, chewing, or even the slightest touch to the face can trigger these painful episodes. It’s no surprise that people with Trigeminal Neuralgia report feelings of despair and helplessness. The severity of this condition has led it to be referred to as the “Suicide Disease,” a term that highlights how intense the pain can be and how mentally taxing the constant, unpredictable episodes of pain can become.
Why Is Trigeminal Neuralgia Called the ‘Suicide Disease’?
The term “Suicide Disease” wasn’t coined lightly. It refers to the devastating impact the condition has on the mental well-being of those who suffer from it. The pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia can be so intense that it often leads to feelings of hopelessness, frustration and in extreme cases, it gives suicidal thoughts.
The combination of constant pain and the unpredictability of when an attack might occur can severely disrupt a person’s quality of life. The throbbing pain and episode of reoccurrence create severe psychological distress, depression and suicidal thoughts among the sufferer. While Salman Khan admitted to having struggled with such thoughts at one point, he found solace in his work, using it as an outlet to channel his energy and cope with the pain.
The condition is not only physically painful but also emotionally draining. It can isolate individuals from normal life, making everyday activities difficult or even impossible. Many people with TN find it hard to leave the house for fear of triggering an episode, or they may stop participating in social activities altogether, out of embarrassment or sheer exhaustion.
The Causes and Triggers of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The exact cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia is not always clear, but in most cases, it is caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel or a tumour. This pressure can damage the nerve, leading to the painful sensations that characterize the disease. In some instances, the condition can also be linked to multiple sclerosis, a condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack the protective layer of nerve fibers.
There are also certain triggers that can set off an episode of pain. Even simple, everyday actions like chewing, brushing your teeth, or talking can bring on a painful attack. Other environmental factors like cold air, wind, or even stress can increase the likelihood of an episode. These triggers make it difficult for individuals with Trigeminal Neuralgia to live a normal life, as they constantly have to be aware of what they’re doing to avoid initiating an episode.
Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia are unmistakable and include:
- Sudden, sharp, or burning pain on one side of the face, often triggered by simple actions.
- Pain that lasts from a few seconds to minutes, but it may occur in rapid bursts.
- Pain triggered by routine activities such as talking, chewing, or even the slightest touch to the face.
- Numbness & tingling
It’s important to note that Trigeminal Neuralgia typically only affects one side of the face, which distinguishes it from other conditions like migraines, which may affect both sides.
Treatment and Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The pain caused by Trigeminal Neuralgia is intense, but the good news is that treatment options are available to manage the symptoms. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Medications: Anticonvulsant drugs are often prescribed to manage the pain by stabilising the nerve’s electrical activity. Muscle relaxants and painkillers may also help, though they may not be as effective in the long term.
- Surgical Options: For those who don’t respond well to medication, surgical procedures can be suggested by the expert to provide long-term relief.
- Minimally Invasive Therapies: Techniques such as Gamma Knife Radiosurgery may also be used in certain cases to alleviate the pressure on the Trigeminal nerve.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoiding known triggers—like hot or cold foods, strong winds, or excessive talking—can help prevent flare-ups. Additionally, stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga and regular exercise can help minimise the impact of the disease.
Preventive Measures
Living with Suicide Disease (Trigeminal Neuralgia) requires ongoing caution and lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding known triggers, stress management and getting regular checkups done.
Conclusion
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a severe condition that affects the lives of many, including celebrities like Salman Khan, who have bravely shared their personal struggles with the disease. Healing Pharma is constantly evolving in the areas of research and innovation to make effective treatments and drugs available at more affordable rates so that no one has to suffer due to financial constraints. Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and it is this belief that continues to drive efforts to improve the lives of those affected by Trigeminal Neuralgia and other chronic conditions.
