WHAT WE DO

The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK exists to:

TNA UK is the established UK patient charity for people affected by trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain.

Founded in 1999 by a TN patient and a medical consultant, TNA UK exists to provide support, information, education and a stronger voice for patients, families, carers and professionals.

We support people from first symptoms and diagnosis through to medication, specialist assessment, surgical and procedural options, emergency flare-ups and long-term management.

Our work is patient-led, clinician-informed, evidence-informed and independent.

Support and information

TNA UK provides practical support through our helpline, e-helpline, regional support groups, befriending support, membership, patient information and awareness work.

We help people affected by TN and facial pain feel less alone, understand the condition more clearly and prepare for better-informed conversations with healthcare professionals.

We do not diagnose, prescribe or recommend individual treatment. We provide information, support and signposting.

National webinars hosted by Aneeta Prem MBE

TNA UK hosts national webinars led by Aneeta Prem MBE, bringing leading UK and international experts directly to patients, families and professionals.

The webinars explain complex medical subjects in clear language, helping people understand symptoms, medication, referral routes, specialist care, surgical and procedural options, research developments and practical ways to live with TN and facial pain.

Research and patient voice

TNA UK is committed to supporting ethical research and service improvement that can reduce pain, improve treatment, strengthen diagnosis and increase quality of life for people affected by TN and facial pain.

TNA UK has funded a PhD student and has allocated funding over the years towards research. We continue to support research engagement where the work is transparent, properly governed and clearly in the interests of patients.

We bring lived experience into research through patient surveys, helpline insight, member feedback, webinars, patient stories and direct contact with people living with the condition.

TNA UK has carried out two patient surveys. Our latest survey, led by Aneeta Prem MBE, received 1,130 responses, giving us important patient-reported insight into diagnosis, treatment, daily life, work, family impact, mental health and access to care.

Patient-reported evidence does not replace clinical research. It strengthens it.

Medical Advisory Board

TNA UK is supported by a respected Medical Advisory Board.

The Board brings specialist knowledge into our information, education, awareness and research engagement work, while TNA UK remains independent and patient-led.

This helps us provide information patients can trust, written in language they can understand.

Education for professionals

Many people affected by trigeminal neuralgia wait months or years for a correct diagnosis. Some experience dental confusion, delayed referral, repeated treatment changes or difficulty accessing specialist help.

TNA UK works to improve understanding among healthcare professionals and wider services.

We offer professional membership, training, education and awareness work for medical and healthcare professionals. Our professional education brings real patient voices into the room, helping professionals understand not only the clinical features of TN, but also the reality of living with severe facial pain.

Awareness and influence

TNA UK promotes awareness and understanding of trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain among the public, healthcare professionals, researchers, NHS bodies, funders, policymakers and neurological-sector networks.

We speak for earlier recognition, clearer referral routes, informed treatment decisions, improved access to specialist care and better support for people living with TN and facial pain.

TNA UK exists so that people affected by trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain are heard, informed, supported and taken seriously.