Aneeta Prem MBE, CEO of TNA UK, hosts Tony Williams about his journey from his first symptoms to diagnosis, treatment and supporting other people affected by Trigeminal Neuralgia.

The sufferer saw five dentists and underwent a root canal before his facial pain was recognised as Trigeminal Neuralgia. His pain initially felt like a toothache — a story that shows why awareness of TN and facial pain matters.

The TN patient first noticed pain while shaving. As it became more severe, it felt like a toothache, and he naturally sought dental help. Several dental appointments followed before the fifth dentist recognised that his symptoms could be Trigeminal Neuralgia.

In this conversation, the TN patient discusses his personal experience of:

• Trigeminal Neuralgia initially feeling like a toothache
• Seeing five dentists before TN was recognised
• Undergoing dental treatment before diagnosis
• Severe facial pain and everyday TN triggers
• Being referred for neurological assessment
• Keeping a pain diary
• Medication and side effects from his own experience
• Living and working with trigeminal neuralgia
• Volunteering on the TNA UK helpline
• The importance of understanding and support

The TN patient later describes severe attacks as feeling like a bolt of lightning hitting him in the face. His account is his individual experience; Trigeminal Neuralgia can affect people differently.

Could facial or tooth pain be trigeminal neuralgia?

Facial, dental and jaw pain can have many causes. Trigeminal neuralgia should not be self-diagnosed, and dental or facial pain should be properly assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Find information and support

TNA UK – The Facial Pain Charity

Learn about trigeminal neuralgia, facial pain and support available from TNA UK:

Home

UK Freephone Helpline: 0800 999 1899 – option 1

E-help: [email protected]

TNA UK support services are volunteer-led and are not emergency or 24-hour services.

Tony’s experience is personal to him and this film is provided for information and awareness. It should not be treated as individual medical advice. Do not start, stop or change prescribed medication without appropriate clinical advice.

#TrigeminalNeuralgia #FacialPain #ToothPain #TNStories #TNAUK #Aneetaprem