Invisible Agony: Why Trigeminal Neuralgia Deserves Attention on
Every year, on April 7th, the world marks World Health Day. This global event highlights the importance of equitable healthcare and the belief that everyone deserves good health. However, for people living with trigeminal neuralgia (TN), that promise often rings hollow.
TN causes some of the most severe pain known to humans. Despite this, the condition frequently remains hidden from public view and overlooked by healthcare professionals. Therefore, this year, it’s time to bring Trigeminal Neuralgia out of the shadows and into the global health conversation.
A Survivor’s Story: The Pain and the Struggle
“I’ve tried everything to manage my pain. People told me it was all in my head, but I knew better. Trigeminal Neuralgia is the worst pain in the world—the worst pain known to medicine.
Initially, I thought it was something minor. I even had my teeth pulled, believing that would solve it. But the pain stayed. No one listened when I tried to describe how horrific it was.
It felt like electric shocks stabbing deep into my face, over and over. I couldn’t brush my teeth without crying. Eating became nearly impossible. I survived on soft drinks. Eventually, I lost my partner. Then, I lost my job.
This condition is real. It destroys lives. Yet, it’s often dismissed because people can’t see it. On World Health Day, we raise awareness for many illnesses. Why not this one?
Without the support of TNA UK, I truly don’t know where I’d be. They believed me. They helped me keep going. That’s why I’m sharing my story—so more people understand just how serious this illness is. We need the world to believe us.”
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a chronic nerve disorder. It affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face.
When this nerve is damaged or compressed, it sends incorrect signals to the brain. As a result, sufferers experience sudden, intense bursts of pain. Often, this pain is described as burning, sharp, or like an electric shock.
Even everyday activities—talking, eating, smiling, or brushing teeth—can trigger these episodes. In fact, the pain is so severe that TN has been dubbed the “suicide disease”. Sadly, due to lack of awareness, many patients are misdiagnosed or dismissed for years.
Why World Health Day Trigeminal Neuralgia
The theme of World Health Day is Health for All. But how can we talk about equity when conditions like TN remain unspoken?
Many people with Trigeminal Neuralgia wait years for a diagnosis. In the meantime, they endure procedures they don’t need and are often told their pain is exaggerated or imagined. This leads not only to physical suffering but to deep emotional distress.
Moreover, mental health often declines under the weight of daily pain. Fear of a sudden attack causes anxiety. People begin to avoid social contact. Relationships suffer. Employment becomes impossible for many.
Although TN affects people across the world, it still receives little attention in health policy, research, or training. That’s why this World Health Day must include TN. If we believe in health equity, we must acknowledge this forgotten community.
How You Can Make a Difference
We can’t fix what we don’t see. So let’s start seeing TN. Here’s how you can help—today:
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Share this article
By sharing, you help others understand what TN is and why it matters. -
Correct misconceptions
If someone downplays facial pain, explain the reality. This isn’t just discomfort—it’s a disabling condition. -
Support organisations like TNA UK
Donations, volunteering, and sharing their resources all help TN sufferers find support and care. -
Push for better training and research
Ask your local MP or health authority to support faster diagnosis and new treatments for neuropathic pain. -
Listen and believe
If someone tells you they live with TN, don’t question them. Believe them. Your understanding may help them more than you know.
Conclusion: Health for All Must Include Us All
Trigeminal Neuralgia is not just a medical condition. It’s a silent, shattering experience that changes lives.
This World Health Day, let’s stop looking away. Let’s stop excluding people whose pain isn’t visible. Instead, let’s stand with them.
By raising awareness, speaking up, and believing in survivors, we can make sure the phrase Health for All finally includes those who need it most.
Because pain doesn’t have to be visible to be real. And no one should suffer alone.
Aneeta Prem MBE CEO
