In a recent public appearance at the Slum Rehabilitation Authority’s new support centre in Mumbai, Actor Salman Khan looked visibly unwell. When his video arrived on social media Fans and well-wishers are once again started focussing on Salman Khan expressing concern over his condition. While social media debates continue about Salman Khan’s health condition, some netizens have also reminded how Salman Khan has been living with trigeminal neuralgia for many years now.
The rare neurological disorder affects facial nerves and causes random bursts of sharp pains in the face. It is reportedly one of the most painful conditions to affect the human body.
Dubbed the ‘suicide disease’, trigeminal neuralgia patients in the past have reportedly developed depression or suicidal tendencies because of the sheer intensity of the pain.
Here’s everything you need to know about the disease:
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also known as tic douloureux, is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. The disorder isn’t life-threatening, but it can be life-altering.
Normal things such as brushing your teeth, putting on makeup, shaving, talking, chewing, drinking something cold or even feeling a light breeze on your skin can trigger sudden, excruciating pain. the Bollywood star actor has often spoken about his pain in interviews during simple activities like eating or drinking.
There are two main forms of trigeminal neuralgia-Paroxysmal TN & TN with continuous pain
Common symptoms
- Sudden and severe facial pain that happens repeatedly on one side of your face.
- Sharp, stabbing or electric shock-like pain that lasts from a few seconds to two minutes.
- Feeling pain when chewing, talking, washing your face or brushing your teeth.
- Multiple episodes of pain, which may become more frequent over time.
What Causes It?
TN is usually caused by wearing away of the protective coating on your trigeminal nerve (known as myelin sheath). When this happens, nearby blood vessels begin to press on your nerve.
In rare cases, trigeminal neuralgia can occur as a result of multiple sclerosis (problems with the myelin sheath), nerve damage due to injury, or a tumour pressing on the nerve.
There is one more condition when there’s no clear cause of your facial pain after doing diagnostic tests. It is called idiopathic TN.
How Can It Be Treated?
Doctors usually prescribe medications to help reduce nerve activity. If medications stop working, procedures such as nerve blocks, radiosurgery or microvascular decompression surgery may be considered.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should see a doctor if you get repeated episodes of severe facial pain – particularly pain that is brought on by everyday activities.
Salman Khan revealed on multiple occasions that he suffers from trigeminal neuralgia while continuing to shoot films. Several patients have credited the actor for prompting them to see a doctor for facial pain after learning what he went through with the condition.
Salman will be next seen on-screen with actress Chitrangada Singh on film directed by Apoorva Lakhia titled –Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace.
