A 46-year-old man’s persistent facial pain led to the discovery of a rare condition, trigeminal neuralgia, which was also famously battled by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The patient experienced severe, episodic pain on the right side of his face, specifically affecting the V2 dermatome region, for over a year. The pain was triggered by routine activities such as brushing teeth, chewing food, or shaving, and each episode lasted between 30 to 60 seconds. Despite initial treatment with carbamazepine, which provided only partial relief, further investigation was necessary.
Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a senior neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, confirmed the condition as trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic neuropathic disorder that causes sudden, sharp, electric shock-like pain in the face. However, MRI scans revealed an underlying cause: a schwannoma in the right cerebellopontine angle, likely affecting the trigeminal or vestibular nerve. This identified the case as secondary trigeminal neuralgia, a less common form where another medical condition, such as a tumor or vascular malformation, compresses the trigeminal nerve.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a long-term condition that can make simple daily tasks extremely painful. Activities like eating, talking, shaving, or even exposure to a light breeze can trigger sudden, severe facial pain. While it is not life-threatening, it can significantly affect quality of life. Most cases occur in people over 50, and females are slightly more predisposed, though secondary TN can appear in younger individuals.
Bollywood star Salman Khan has openly discussed his own battle with trigeminal neuralgia, recalling excruciating pain that disrupted daily life and even basic activities like eating. He shared that the condition persisted for over seven years, with episodes occurring every few minutes. Initially mistaken for dental pain, Khan’s diagnosis highlighted the complexity of identifying TN. Dr. Kumar emphasized the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation, including MRI imaging with contrast and trigeminal nerve protocol, particularly for younger patients or atypical presentations. This case highlights the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment to alleviate the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia and improve the quality of life for those affected.