Show TN 3 Fingers
The 2026 campaign film has now passed 180,000 views. Watch the film, then take part by holding up three fingers beside your face and sharing your photo on Facebook or Instagram.
Why we are doing this
International Trigeminal Neuralgia Day is marked on 7 October each year to raise awareness of trigeminal neuralgia. For 2026, the Show TN 3 Fingers and Face of TN campaign invites people to hold up three fingers beside their face and share a photo or short video on their own social media. Inviting other people to join is optional.
The people behind TN
People with TN, families and supporters taking part in the campaign.
Watch the 2026 campaign film
views and counting. Watch the film on YouTube, subscribe to the TNA channel and share it with someone who may not know about trigeminal neuralgia.
More campaign films
Watch earlier Show TN 3 Fingers and Face of TN films, including patient experiences and common TN triggers.
How to join the campaign
Take a photo showing three fingers beside your face. You can post it on Facebook or Instagram, or send it directly to TNA for the campaign using our secure photo form.
Posting your photo is simple:
Take the photo first. Then open Facebook or Instagram using the buttons below and choose the photo from your phone. Tag TNA and add #ShowTN3Fingers. If you do not use social media, ask a friend or family member to post it for you.
Open Facebook to post your photo Open Instagram to post your photo
Facebook: tap “What’s on your mind?” or “Create post”, then choose Photo/video. Instagram: tap +, choose Post, then select your photo. The wording may look slightly different on some phones.
Patients, families, friends, colleagues and supporters can all take part without sharing private health information.
If you live with TN, you may mention up to three triggers — or say nothing at all. The three-finger gesture is enough.
If somebody else is in the photo or video, make sure they are happy for you to post it publicly.
Why three fingers?
Show TN 3 Fingers is TNA UK’s national awareness gesture for trigeminal neuralgia. The three fingers represent the anatomy of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve — cranial nerve V — is the principal sensory nerve of the face and has three main divisions. Trigeminal neuralgia can cause pain in one or more of them.
Ophthalmic
Supplies sensation to the forehead, eye region and upper face.
Maxillary
Supplies sensation to the cheek, side of the nose and middle face.
Mandibular
Supplies sensation to the jaw and lower face and also carries motor fibres used for chewing.
It is a simple visual reminder of the nerve’s three divisions. The gesture is for awareness; it is not a diagnostic map.
Clinical reference: NHS — Trigeminal neuralgia.
International Trigeminal Neuralgia Day FAQs
Who created Show TN 3 Fingers and Face of TN?
Aneeta Prem MBE conceived and developed TNA UK’s Face of TN and Show TN 3 Fingers awareness campaigns. Show TN 3 Fingers is the charity’s national awareness gesture for trigeminal neuralgia: the three fingers represent the trigeminal nerve’s three main divisions, V1, V2 and V3.
When is International Trigeminal Neuralgia Day?
International Trigeminal Neuralgia Day is observed on 7 October each year. It is also widely referred to as Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day or TN Awareness Day.
Do I have to share my TN triggers?
No. Sharing triggers or other personal health information is entirely optional.
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological pain disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve. It can cause sudden, severe facial pain, often triggered by ordinary actions such as talking, eating, brushing the teeth, washing the face or a light breeze.
Can I take part if I do not have TN?
Yes. Family, friends, colleagues, clinicians and supporters are welcome to take part. You do not need to disclose personal health information.
Do I need to light a building teal?
No. Lighting a building is a separate awareness activity. You can take part with the three-finger gesture, share a campaign film or simply help another person learn about TN.
Where can someone with TN find support?
TNA UK provides information and support for people affected by trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain. Explore support →
Help more people learn about TN
Show three fingers, share the campaign film or tell someone about trigeminal neuralgia.