International Trigeminal Neuralgia Day 2025 – A Movement of Visibility, Courage, and Change

On 7 October, the world marks International Trigeminal Neuralgia Day. For those living with trigeminal neuralgia (TN), it is more than a date in the diary — it is a call for recognition, solidarity, and change.

This year, three moments define the day: a 12-year-old girl’s extraordinary walk through pain, a national webinar delivering long-awaited benefits advice, and a global gesture that everyone can join. Together, they tell one story: we will not be invisible.

Grace’s Walk – A Child’s Courage

Grace Miller is just 12 years old. She lives with trigeminal neuralgia, one of the most painful conditions known to medicine. Despite hospital stays, harsh medication, and the upheaval of starting high school, Grace has chosen to walk 20 miles from the Tay Bridge to Arbroath on 7 October.

She isn’t walking for herself. She is walking for every person with TN and facial pain.

Last year, her determination raised over £2,000 and was reported in The Scottish Sun. This year, she wants to go further. Her words cut through:

“Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects a nerve in the face, causing severe pain triggered by things like cold weather, eating or talking.”

No child should have to describe life in those terms. Yet Grace is turning her pain into purpose. She ends her appeal simply: “Thank you, Grace x.”

Grace’s courage is our reminder: awareness is not optional; it is essential.

A National Webinar – Benefits Advice People Have Waited For

Practical support changes lives. That is why,  on 7 October, TNA UK will host a national Zoom webinar with Benefit Answers, one of the UK’s most trusted independent organisations on disability benefits.

Since 2007, they have helped more than 5,500 people secure over £3.5 million in payments. Independent, impartial, and confidential, their advice has been awaited by our members.

“I am thrilled to be hosting this session. For a long time, our community has asked for clear, expert advice on benefits, and I am delighted we can now provide it — especially on our National Day, when we come together to support each other.” – Aneeta Prem MBE, CEO of TNA UK

The webinar, led by expert Ellis Jinks, will cover Attendance Allowance, PIP, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, and more. Members are invited to send their questions in advance by 5 October so they can be addressed directly.

This is practical solidarity: knowledge shared, barriers broken, dignity defended.

Show TN the Three Fingers – A Global Challenge for Everyone

The Show TN the Three Fingers campaign is simple, visual, and powerful. Three fingers placed diagonally across the face represent the three branches of the trigeminal nerve. It began as a private signal used by patients during pain attacks when words were impossible. Today, it is becoming a worldwide act of recognition and visibility.

This year, we are asking everyone to take part:

• Take a photo or video with three fingers across your face.

• Post it with the hashtags #ShowTN3Fingers and #FaceOfTN.

• Tag TNA UK so we can share it.

• Nominate three friends to do the same.

Every image posted, every friend tagged, builds a movement that says: we see you, we stand with you, you are not alone.

Together We Can Make TN Visible

International TN Day is not about one event, but a collective statement.

• Grace is walking through pain to raise awareness.

• The webinar is providing expert advice and hope.

• The Three Fingers challenge is giving everyone a way to act.

Each strand matters. Together, they make trigeminal neuralgia visible to the world.

On 7 October – International Trigeminal Neuralgia Day – join us. Support Grace. Learn on Zoom. Show TN the Three Fingers. Share, tag, post, and stand with us. Together, we can turn pain into purpose and invisibility into recognition.

TNA UK – The Facial Pain Charity

📞 Free Helpline: 0800 999 1899
🌐 www.tna.org.uk