We have all known Salman Khan for being a fitness enthusiast. Naturally, we picture him as a fit and healthy person. But did you know that the popular actor suffered a serious illness called Trigeminal Neuralgia or the suicide disease.
Salman Khan was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia back in 2007 and battled the same for years before undergoing a nerve surgery in 2011. The surgery took place in the US and Salman Khan has since then recovered.
This neuropathic disorder is quite rare and is thought to affect one million people worldwide. The chronic condition causes abrupt, excruciating facial pain, especially in the lower areas of the face, jaw, around nose, ears, eyes or lips.
Read this article to learn more about Trigeminal Neuralgia, its causes, symptoms, treatment and more.
About Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as ‘tic douloureux’ is a nerve disorder that causes painful sensations on one side of the face. It is said that the pain feels quite similar to getting an electric shock.
This chronic pain condition affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. The pain is triggered when the trigeminal nerve is irritated. Stimulation of your face — such as from brushing the teeth, shaving, smiling or applying makeup are some of the triggers.
Initially, the episodes are short with mild attacks. But gradually as the condition progresses, one experiences longer, more-frequent bouts of stabbing pain.
Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The trigeminal nerve, which is one of 12 pairs of nerves responsible for transmitting touch and pain sensations from the face and head to the brain, is disrupted in trigeminal neuralgia.
This can occur due to the following conditions:
- DISEASES– Certain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, can injure the myelin sheath.
- TUMORS– Sometimes a tumor or a tangle of arteries presses on the nerve.
- INJURY– Trigeminal nerves can be injured during surgery, an accident, or a stroke.
Associated Risk Factors
- AGE- The condition is more common in older people.
- GENDER- Trigeminal Neuralgia has been found more commonly in women than men .
- Genetic predisposition is another risk factor.
- High blood pressure can also increase the risk of developing this condition.
Symptoms
- Experiencing short periods of stabbing or shooting pain.
- Spontaneous episodes of pain that are usually triggered by the most basic activities such as brushing teeth, washing face, shaving, or putting on makeup.
- Pain set off by even a light breeze against the face.
- The pain usually affects only one side of the face.
- In most cases, the pain is commonly experienced in the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, and lips.
- Episodes of pain ranging from a few seconds to several minutes.
- Several episodes in a day or a week, followed by periods without any pain at all.
- These pain-free periods are known as remission.
- Over time the frequency of these episodes increases and the pain can worsen.
Treatment
Trigeminal Neuralgia is treated either medically or through surgical intervention. Both are discussed below:
Medical treatment:
- Anticonvulsant medications
- Muscle relaxants – alone or along with anticonvulsants.
- Tricyclic antidepressant
- Botox shots (Botulinum toxin injection)
Surgical treatment:
- Gamma knife radiosurgery
- Balloon compression
- Glycerol shot
- Microvascular decompression
- Neurectomy, in which the trigeminal nerve is partly cut to relieve the pain
Conclusion
We hope through this article, you’ve added a thing or two to your knowledge, especially students who are undergoing medical and NEET PG preparations. You can learn more and retain information better if you relate complicated concepts with something so engaging. This way you can make your preparations super easy. Get more daily updates on exam preparations on our site.