Fergus runs the Edinburgh Marathon!
Fundraising for Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK
As the festive season unfolds, it brings opportunities for joy, reflection, and acts of kindness. This year, TNA.org.uk proudly presents our exclusive Christmas card collection, thoughtfully designed to not only convey festive greetings but also to support an essential cause. With two elegant designs, each card is a fusion of creativity and compassion, symbolising hope and unity.
How to Participate?
This Christmas, let’s extend our festivities to encompass hope, joy, and the essence of giving. Opt for TNA’s Christmas cards
For more details and to purchase, please visit www.tna.org.uk. or contact the office
“I’m thrilled to introduce you to our innovative initiative, ‘#ShowTN3Fingers,’ conceived to commemorate National TN Awareness Day on 7th October and to intensify awareness of trigeminal neuralgia.”
As we mark National TN Awareness Day on 7th October, it is imperative that we unify our voices and gestures to shed light on this debilitating condition. This campaign offers a channel to do just that.
This campaign is far more than symbolism; it’s an educational pillar:
Your participation is pivotal:
“One TN sufferer shared, ‘This campaign lets me non-verbally communicate my pain to my family and healthcare provider.'”
Often dubbed the ‘suicide disease,’ the emotional burden of TN can be severe. Our helpline and regional support groups offer a lifeline.
We invite everyone, regardless of geographic location, to be part of this initiative and thereby enrich the narrative surrounding trigeminal neuralgia. and join the National Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day
I am incredibly proud to unveil our next chapter in the fight against trigeminal neuralgia: the ‘#ShowTN3Fingers’ campaign. As a natural extension of last year’s ‘Face of TN’ initiative, our new campaign aims to expand the conversation around this debilitating condition. We believe that education and awareness are the building blocks of empathy and, eventually, change.
This campaign isn’t just a hashtag; it’s a learning moment for us all. By showing three fingers, we represent the three main branches of the trigeminal nerve—V1, V2, and V3—each responsible for a unique form of agony. It’s an educational gesture that speaks volumes.
To my esteemed colleagues in the healthcare sector, I urge you to lend your voice and clinical expertise to this cause. Your participation elevates this campaign from a grassroots effort to an authoritative movement.
Trigeminal neuralgia is often referred to as a ‘hidden disability,’ but with this campaign, we aim to shine a spotlight on it. We want to break down the walls of stigma and loneliness that so many patients face, offering them a beacon of hope.
Your participation can take many forms:
Social Media: Use the hashtags #ShowTN3Fingers and #FaceOfTN to make your voice heard.
Video Testimonies: We welcome short reels explaining why you or your loved ones are involved in this campaign. Your story could be the one that educates and inspires others.
Donations: While our primary currency is awareness, financial contributions help maintain our helplines and sponsor regional events aimed at destigmatizing TN. Every donation brings us a step closer to a world free from the anguish of trigeminal neuralgia.
The Time Is Now
As we count down to International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day on the 7th of October, let’s harness this occasion to drive meaningful change. We’ve been given a platform and a voice; it’s our collective responsibility to use them wisely.
Let’s not miss this chance to act. Together, we can transcend the boundaries of medicine and advocacy to create a more informed and empathetic society. Join us, share the ‘#ShowTN3Fingers’ campaign, and let’s make this International TN Awareness Day a watershed moment in the fight against trigeminal neuralgia.
Looking forward to an impactful day and a brighter future.
Best wishes, Aneeta Prem MBE CEO
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), a neurological condition causing excruciating facial pain, leaves those afflicted with feelings of isolation and despair. However, amidst this, there is hope – the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association (TNA). The charity has been a lifeline for individuals battling TN, providing a supportive and nurturing environment.
Trigeminal Neuralgia is characterised by sudden, stabbing facial pain, triggered by seemingly innocent actions like chewing or talking. The intensity of this pain can be overwhelming, leading to immense distress for those experiencing it. It is a rare condition that affects one’s quality of life, leaving individuals in search of understanding and support.
In the midst of this, the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association (TNA) is committed to supporting those affected by TN and face pain.
We provide vital resources, raising awareness, and creating a sense of community among patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.
Five members who have found help and strength through TNA:
TNA’s transformative power lies in its ability to foster hope and resilience among those affected by trigeminal neuralgia. By providing empathy, education, and support, the organization has contributed to improved patient care and reduced feelings of isolation. The stigma surrounding TN has also been diminished, encouraging individuals to seek help without hesitation.
Trigeminal Neuralgia can cast a shadow of pain and despair over its victims. However, the transformative power of community, exemplified by the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association (TNA), offers hope. E.L., A.J., M.L., S.M., and J.T.’s stories are testaments to the profound impact TNA has had on those battling TN. By providing support, advocacy, and camaraderie, TNA has become a beacon of light, guiding individuals towards a journey of healing and hope.
FAQs
‘On this International Day of Yoga, we turn our focus towards a topic that often goes unnoticed – the potential role of yoga in managing Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). Trigeminal Neuralgia, known for causing some of the most severe pains a human can endure, affects the trigeminal nerve, leading to intense facial pain. Could yoga, a practice celebrated for promoting physical and mental harmony, offer some relief to those living with this condition?’ Aneeta Prem MBE
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a condition characterized by piercing or shock-like facial pain. It can affect anyone, irrespective of age or health status. Traditional treatment options for TN range from anticonvulsant drugs to surgical procedures. However, these treatments can bring about their own set of challenges and side effects.
Yoga, a practice dating back thousands of years, is increasingly recognized in modern medicine for its potential to manage a variety of health conditions. Yoga’s focus on deep breathing, gentle movements, and mindfulness can help individuals develop better pain management strategies.
While direct research linking yoga with TN is limited, studies illustrating yoga’s benefits for pain management in general exist. A study published in 2020 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) demonstrated that yoga can assist with managing various chronic pain conditions 1. Additionally, a 2017 study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine showed that yoga could reduce the impact of migraines, a neurological condition that also involves nerve pain 2.
Here are five gentle yoga practices that could potentially help individuals living with Trigeminal Neuralgia. Always remember to consult with a healthcare provider or a trained yoga instructor before starting any new practice.
Yoga techniques like Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) promote calmness and reduce stress, which may lessen the perception of pain.
Savasana is a deep relaxation technique that reduces muscle tension and encourages a sense of peace.
Simple, gentle neck movements can alleviate tension and improve flexibility.
This restorative pose encourages relaxation and aids pain management by allowing gentle blood flow towards the face and brain.
Mindfulness meditation, a central aspect of yoga, can help one become more aware of their body and pain sensations, potentially aiding in better pain management.
The child’s Pose is a gentle resting pose that helps release tension in the back, shoulders, and neck. It promotes relaxation and can provide relief from facial pain associated with Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Cat-Cow Pose is a dynamic movement that involves alternating between arching the back (cat pose) and extending it (cow pose). This practice helps increase spinal flexibility and releases tension in the neck and upper back.
Forward Fold is a calming pose that stretches the entire back body, including the neck and shoulders. It promotes blood circulation and relaxation, potentially reducing facial pain.
Seated Spinal Twist is a gentle twisting pose that releases tension in the spine and stimulates the digestive system. It may alleviate discomfort in the face and jaw associated with Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Legs-up-the-Wall Pose, as mentioned earlier, is a restorative pose that allows gentle blood flow towards the face and brain. It promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and can provide relief from facial pain.
Remember, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or a trained yoga instructor before attempting any new yoga practice. They can guide you with modifications and ensure that the practices are suitable for your specific condition.
On this International Day of Yoga, let’s remember that yoga is more than just exercise—it’s a practice that promotes mind-body harmony, which may offer a source of comfort for those living with conditions like Trigeminal Neuralgia. While yoga can provide many benefits, it is not a substitute for traditional medical treatment of conditions like Trigeminal Neuralgia. Always listen to your body and never push into poses or practices that cause discomfort.
During the esteemed National Volunteers Week, it is my utmost pleasure to convey our appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who wholeheartedly support the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association (TNA) and the facial pain community.
many of whom bravely face the challenges of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) or facial pain themselves, provide invaluable assistance by selflessly manning the helpline, email helpline, and organizing regional support groups.
By diligently attending the helpline and email helpline day in and day out, you become the compassionate voice of empathy.
Offering solace and understanding to those grappling with TN and facial pain. Your personal experiences enable you to provide not only comfort and support but also invaluable firsthand knowledge and insights, guiding sufferers through their darkest moments.
Coordinate the regional support groups. These dedicated leaders, often enduring these conditions themselves, create safe and inclusive spaces for individuals experiencing facial pain and Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Through your efforts, you bring people together, fostering a sense of community, understanding, and healing.
The helpline, email helpline, and regional support groups serve as lifelines for those seeking support and reassurance.
The empathy, care, and unwavering dedication you demonstrate leave an indelible impact on the lives of individuals affected by facial pain and Trigeminal Neuralgia.
National Volunteers Week, we sincerely hope that the public recognizes the indispensable role you play within our community.
Each call answered every email attended, and every regional support group meeting organized and led to contribute to the cause we ardently champion.
Thank you. Your selflessness and unwavering dedication have made an immeasurable difference in the lives of countless individuals.
If anyone would consider volunteering for us.
We would love to hear from you. You could help on the telephone or email helpline. Run a Regional support group for fundraising.
We have many great opportunities and we will be grateful for your time and commitment
Please contact us we look forward to welcoming you to the TNA facial pain charity.
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Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a neurological disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain. This condition is characterized by sudden and intense facial pain, often described as stabbing, electric shock-like sensations, which can be triggered by seemingly innocuous activities such as speaking, eating, or even a gentle touch.
To grasp the intricacies of TN, it’s essential to understand the trigeminal nerve’s structure and function. The trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve and consists of three main branches: the ophthalmic nerve (V1), the maxillary nerve (V2), and the mandibular nerve (V3). These branches innervate various regions of the face, including the forehead, cheek, jaw, and teeth.
Compression of the TN : The most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia is believed to be the compression of the TN by nearby blood vessels, leading to irritation and dysfunction.
Nerve Damage: In some cases, damage to the trigeminal nerve due to an injury or underlying medical condition, such as multiple sclerosis, can trigger the onset of trigeminal neuralgia.
Age and Gender: Trigeminal neuralgia is more prevalent in individuals over the age of 50, and women are slightly more likely to develop the condition than men.
Trigeminal neuralgia primarily manifests as severe, sudden facial pain, typically affecting one side of the face. The pain can be triggered by everyday activities, including eating, talking, or even exposure to a light breeze. Other common symptoms include:
To diagnose TN , your healthcare professional will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and, in some cases, imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. These tests help rule out underlying causes and pinpoint any abnormalities or compression affecting the trigeminal nerve.
Managing trigeminal neuralgia involves a multidimensional approach tailored to each individual’s specific needs. The primary goals of treatment are to alleviate pain, reduce the frequency and intensity of trigeminal neuralgia episodes, and improve the overall quality of life. Treatment options may include:
Medications: Anticonvulsant medications, such as carbamazepine and gabapentin, are commonly prescribed to help control pain and manage trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
Nerve Blocks: Injecting an anaesthetic or a corticosteroid near the affected trigeminal nerve can provide temporary pain relief and interrupt the nerve signals responsible for triggering trigeminal neuralgia episodes.
Surgical Interventions: In more severe cases or when conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief, surgical interventions may be considered. Procedures such as microvascular decompression (MVD), where the compressing blood vessel is repositioned, or radiosurgery, such as gamma knife radiosurgery, can help alleviate symptoms and prevent future episodes.
Alternative Therapies: Complementary approaches, including acupuncture, biofeedback, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), may offer additional pain relief and improve overall well-being. These therapies can be used in conjunction with medical treatments to provide a holistic approach to managing trigeminal neuralgia.
Trigeminal neuralgia can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to physical, emotional, and social challenges. However, with proper management and support, individuals with trigeminal neuralgia can find ways to cope and improve their well-being. Here are some strategies that may help:
Pain Management Techniques: Exploring relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, can help reduce stress and alleviate pain. Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area may also provide temporary relief.
Support Networks: Joining our regional support groups or our helpline can be beneficial for individuals living with TN. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide emotional support, information exchange, and a sense of belonging.
Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and getting sufficient sleep can contribute to overall well-being and help manage trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
In conclusion, TN is a complex condition characterized by excruciating facial pain. Through our comprehensive guide, we aimed to provide you with a detailed understanding of this condition, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. By consistently delivering valuable, well-researched content, we strive to outrank other websites and become your go-to source for reliable information on trigeminal neuralgia. Remember, if you or a loved one are experiencing facial pain or suspect trigeminal neuralgia, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Are you excited about celebrating King’s Coronation with your friends, family, and neighbours? How about adding a charitable twist to your festivities by turning them into an opportunity to raise awareness and funds?
Before delving into the specific ideas, it’s essential to introduce the concept of fundraising and why it’s crucial. Explaining how charitable donations and contributions can help make a difference in people’s lives can encourage your guests to get involved and contribute to the cause.
Selecting a cause that aligns with your values and resonates with your guests is crucial. Supports TNA health, support and research.
Instead of bringing gifts to the celebration, guests can donate to TNA UK. Encouraging your guests to contribute to the cause instead of bringing gifts can make a significant impact on the success of the fundraiser.
What’s a celebration without cake and pastries? Why not turn your love for cakes and bakes into an opportunity to raise funds? You can set up a cake and bake sale booth at the celebration and invite your guests to indulge in some sweet treats.
A charity auction can add a touch of excitement and thrill to the celebration while also raising funds for charity. Guests can bid on various items, such as artwork, jewellery, or collectables, and the proceeds can go to the TNA-UK.
A raffle can be an excellent way to raise funds for charity while also providing guests with a chance to win exciting prizes. You can sell raffle tickets to guests, and the winner can take home a coveted prize while also contributing to the cause.
Adding games and activities to the celebration can make it more engaging and interactive while also raising funds for TNA. You can set up a carnival-style game booth or host a charity sports tournament where participants can donate to the cause to participate.
Leveraging the power of social media can help raise awareness about the cause and encourage more people to contribute to the fundraiser. You can create a social media campaign and share posts, stories, and updates about the fundraiser,
Donation matching can help double the impact of the fundraiser. You can reach out to corporate sponsors or high-net-worth individuals and request them to match the donations made by your guests.
Providing your guests with opportunities to volunteer for TNA UK. This can help deepen their engagement and commitment to the cause. You can share information about volunteering opportunities and encourage your guests to get involved.
Thanking your guests for their contributions and support can help show your appreciation and also encourage them to participate in future fundraising events. Sending personalised thank you notes or messages to each guest This can help make them feel valued and connected to the cause.
Keeping track of the funds raised and the impact they are making can help motivate your guests and encourage them to contribute more. Sharing updates and progress reports on the fundraiser and the cause can help demonstrate the impact of their contributions
Supporting TN and Facial Pain Sufferers TNA London Marathon Runner.
A Call to Donate to TNA London Marathon Runner Honor of Gerwyn Tumelty’s London Marathon Run.
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), also known as the “suicide disease,” is a debilitating condition characterized by severe facial pain that can be triggered by even the slightest touch or movement. It affects the trigeminal nerve. Which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain. TN can be excruciatingly painful. Often described as sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like sensations that can last for seconds to minutes and can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life.
Gerwyn Tumelty, a brave individual who suffered from TN from 2017 to 2019, has remarkably recovered after undergoing microvascular decompression surgery MVD in 2019.
Gerwyn is now running the London Marathon, one of the most gruelling races in the world. This incredible feat deserves recognition and support from the wider public. Not only for Gerwyn’s personal achievement but also to raise awareness and funds for TN and facial pain sufferers.
The London Marathon is no ordinary race. It demands physical endurance, mental strength, and unwavering determination. For someone who has experienced the excruciating pain of TN.
The wind in the air, a simple touch, or a slight movement can trigger unbearable agony. Many TN and facial pain sufferers cannot step outside, let alone participate in a marathon. Gerwyn’s dedication to overcoming his pain and completing this challenging race is truly inspiring.
TNA London Marathon Runner also needs to highlight the importance of supporting organizations like TNA UK.
TNA UK is a charity that provides invaluable support to those affected by TN and facial pain, offering information, resources, and advocacy for patients, as well as funding research and raising awareness about this debilitating condition.
Donations to TNA UK go directly towards supporting individuals like Gerwyn and other TN sufferers, coping with the physical and emotional toll of TN, and raising awareness about this often misunderstood condition.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/tnalondonmarathon
Donating in honour of Gerwyn’s London Marathon run is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of TN and facial pain sufferers. Your donation can provide hope and support to those struggling with this chronic pain condition,. Helping them find relief. Connect with others who understand their experiences, and raise awareness about TN in the wider public. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, can have a significant impact and make a meaningful difference.
and want to support TN and facial pain sufferers. I encourage you to donate to TNA UK. Your donation can help provide vital support and resources. To those affected by TN and contribute to ongoing research efforts to find better treatments and ultimately a cure for this debilitating condition.
Your generosity can make a real difference in the lives of individuals who have faced immense challenges but continue to persevere.
Let us come together as a community and support Gerwyn’s London Marathon run, and the broader cause of TN and facial pain awareness and support.
Cn bring hope and relief to those who are suffering and contribute to a brighter future for TN sufferers.
Please consider donating to TNA UK today and join us in honouring Gerwyn’s incredible journey and supporting those who are affected by this devastating condition.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact and improve the lives of TN and facial pain sufferers.
If you’re in London on marathon day, consider joining the crowds along the route and cheering Gerwyn and other runners on. Your enthusiastic support can boost their morale and help them stay motivated throughout the race. Even if you’re not in London, you can send messages of encouragement through social media or other means to show your support and motivate Gerwyn to keep pushing forward.
Like Gerwyn Tumelty goes beyond just donating money. Cheering him on, donating to his fundraising page, sharing his story, offering practical help, and providing emotional support are all valuable ways to show your encouragement and help him reach his goal. By supporting Gerwyn’s London Marathon run and raising awareness for TN and facial pain. You can contribute to a larger cause by helping those who are suffering from this debilitating condition.
Let’s come together to support any runners and make a meaningful impact in the lives of TN and facial pain sufferers
Fundraising for Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK
Event: Edinburgh Marathon 2023, on May 28, 2023, Start fundraising for this event
“Last October, my grandma Margaret Parkinson died, a few days after her 92nd birthday. I loved her very much.
She was a wonderful grandma and a very active woman for most of her life. She loved going for long walks, particularly with her friends and family, and particularly in her native Yorkshire.
For the last few years of her life, though, she suffered from trigeminal neuralgia. aAchronic illness that affects nerves in the face, causing sharp, debilitating pain.
The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association is a charity dedicated to supporting those with trigeminal neuralgia, raising awareness of the condition, and working towards solutions to it.
On May 28th, I am going to run the Edinburgh Marathon in memory of my grandma and to raise money for the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association.
This will be my first – and probably last! – marathon, and I’d be very grateful for any donations you can make to this worthwhile cause.
Thanks!
Fergus”
Remember, every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in supporting TNA’s cause and helping those suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia and Facial Pain.
TNA London Marathon Runner’s participation in the London Marathon is significant. It raises awareness about these conditions and the challenges faced by individuals who suffer from them. Running a marathon requires immense physical and mental endurance.
As does Fergus Morgan running the Edinburgh Marathon!
The TNA runner’s commitment to completing the race despite the challenges is commendable. It also highlights the urgency to support fundraising efforts for TNA. As the association relies on donations to continue providing essential services to its members.
I recently had the privilege of meeting with the members of our Irish family through a virtual Zoom meeting. The experience was truly eye-opening, and it highlighted the importance of face-to-face meetings and the significance of sharing experiences and best practices among the members of our community.
Compassion, Caring, and Sharing among Members The Zoom meeting with our Irish members was an emotional experience that left a lasting impression on me. The level of compassion, caring, and sharing among the members of the group was truly heartwarming. It was clear that everyone in the group understood the challenges of living with trigeminal neuralgia, and there was a sense of camaraderie and support that only comes from being a part of a community that truly understands what you are going through.
The Importance of Face-to-Face Meetings While virtual meetings are great for connecting with people from around the world, there is no substitute for meeting in person. The importance of face-to-face meetings was clearly highlighted during our virtual meeting with our Irish members. The members of the group expressed how meeting in person would be essential to ensure that there is the correct support and ability to work together to alleviate isolation and loneliness. It was clear that meeting in person would help the members of our community develop deeper connections, friendships, and a network of support, encouragement, and help. The Importance of Support for anyone with TN is vital.
The Humbling Offer of the Members. At the end of the Zoom meeting, I was incredibly humbled by the offer of the members to formulate their own support group and meet in person with someone taking the lead. This offer highlighted the strength of our community and the willingness of members to help and support each other. Despite the sadness of trigeminal neuralgia crossing the ages, occupations, and backgrounds of its members, together we stand stronger and closer by supporting and helping each other.
Empathy and Encouragement As one member of the group said, “It is people with TN that understand what we go through. Friends and family try, but they can never really understand the amount of pain that we have.” I can completely empathise with that statement, and I feel very encouraged by the strength and resilience of our community. I look forward to meeting the members in Ireland in person over the next few months. To continue to develop the friendships and network of support that are so important in helping us cope with the challenges of living with trigeminal neuralgia.
Meeting with our Irish members of the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association was a powerful reminder of the importance of face-to-face meetings and the value of a supportive community. The experience left me feeling inspired and encouraged, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a compassionate and caring community. If you know of any venues that would be suitable for us to meet in person, please let us know so we can start to arrange face-to-face meetings and continue to develop the support and network of encouragement and help that our community provides. The importance of Support and friendship is an important part of our work at TNA-UK.