NHS Neurology Specification: A Turning Point for TN and Facial Pain Patients

The new NHS England service specification for neurology is a landmark moment for TN and facial pain patients. For years, people living with trigeminal neuralgia and other forms of facial pain faced delays, misdiagnosis, and postcode lotteries. The NHS has now published clear rules setting out how these patients must be diagnosed, treated, and supported. This is a step towards ending inequality in care and giving TN and facial pain patients the recognition they deserve.

Where TN and Facial Pain Patients Fit in NHS Care

According to the NHS England Specialised Neurology Services Specification, TN and facial pain are formally categorised under Complex Headache. This classification is important. It ensures TN and facial pain patients gain access to:

• Specialist joint care with neurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery, and pain medicine.

• Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings at least quarterly.

• Neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry support.

• Clinical trials and research opportunities.

Guidance from NICE also confirms that all TN and facial pain patients should have equal access to evidence-based treatments.

How the Specification Improves Care

Faster diagnosis

Diagnostic tests, including MRI scans, must be carried out within six weeks. This change reduces long waits that many TN and facial pain patients previously endured.

Whole-person treatment

The specification makes psychological support a requirement. TN and facial pain patients must receive care that looks after both physical pain and emotional wellbeing.

Integrated local and specialist care

Each Integrated Neurology System will cover between 1 and 3.5 million people. While most care is delivered locally, patients can be referred to tertiary centres and back again, creating smoother pathways.

Research and innovation

Specialist centres are required to link with national research hubs. This gives TN and facial pain patients better chances to access new and emerging treatments.

Full List of Specialised Neurology Centres

• Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust

• Barts Health NHS Trust

• University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

• Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

• King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

• Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

• North Bristol NHS Trust

• Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

• Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

• Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

• Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

• St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

• The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust

• University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

• University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

• University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

• Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

These centres are responsible for delivering complex neurology care across England.

What TN and Facial Pain Patients Can Do Now

• Ask for referral: If your condition cannot be managed locally, request referral to one of the centres.

• Insist on MDT review: Every TN and facial pain patient should have their case discussed in a specialist meeting.

• Expect timely scans: Six weeks is the NHS standard for MRI.

• Seek psychological support: This is now a guaranteed part of your care.

• Explore research opportunities: Specialist centres must link patients to clinical trials.

TNA UK’s Role

“These NHS rules are a turning point. For too long, TN and facial pain patients were left behind. TNA UK will continue to hold services accountable and make sure every patient gets the care they deserve.”
— Aneeta Prem, CEO, TNA UK

For advice and support, call the TNA UK helpline on 0800 999 1899 (option 1). Sometimes talking to someone who understands is a lifeline.