teh Debilitating Pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Woman’s Story
Table of Contents
Three years ago, Emily Morton, a 28-year-old Australian woman, was living a seemingly perfect life. newly married and planning a family, her world took a drastic turn when she began experiencing excruciating facial pain.
what started as a persistent toothache quickly escalated into unbearable pain radiating across both sides of her face. Dental visits yielded no answers, and the pain intensified, impacting every aspect of her life.
“Imagine having a dentist drill into every single one of your teeth 24/7 and there is nothing you can do to stop the pain,” Morton described her ordeal to news.com.au.
After countless tests and consultations, Morton received a diagnosis of atypical trigeminal neuralgia – a condition sometimes called “suicide disease” due to its intense, debilitating nature.
Understanding ‘Suicide Disease’
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. While typical trigeminal neuralgia affects one side of the face, Morton’s case is bilateral, making it even more challenging.
Morton described the pain as “electric shocks” triggered by even the slightest touch. “It would hurt when I smiled, talked and ate. All normal things. there are no words to describe this degree of pain. it is indeed like being struck by lightning, it makes you want to fall to the ground and scream,” she shared.
Medical professionals have described trigeminal neuralgia as ”the most painful condition known to medicine,” a statement underscored by the grim nickname. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons estimates 150,000 annual diagnoses in the U.S., predominantly affecting those over 50.
Causes of trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia often results from damage or irritation to the trigeminal nerve. A common cause is compression of the nerve by a blood vessel near the brainstem. Though, other factors can contribute, including multiple sclerosis, tumors, strokes, or facial trauma.
In Morton’s case, the precise cause remains unknown, highlighting the complexities of this condition and the challenges faced by those seeking diagnosis and treatment.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a significant health concern affecting thousands of Americans. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and the profound impact it has on patients’ lives is crucial for raising awareness and supporting research efforts to find better treatments and cures.
Australian Woman’s Fight Against Debilitating Pain Spurs hope and raises Healthcare Questions
Emily Morton, an Australian woman, is battling trigeminal neuralgia, a debilitating neurological condition causing excruciating facial pain. Her journey highlights both the promise of innovative medical treatments and the significant challenges faced by patients navigating complex and costly healthcare systems.
“We have spent thousands of dollars trying to find a cause and an effective treatment for the pain,” Morton shared, describing the relentless pursuit of relief. “We’ve travelled interstate and even overseas in an effort to get me some kind of quality of life. It feels like a race against time to find out why. The condition has taken everything from me. It takes over my entire existence,” she added.
A glimpse of Hope: MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound
Morton is currently undergoing a pioneering procedure: MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound. This innovative technique uses focused ultrasound waves to target the thalamus, a specific brain region, to disrupt pain signals. While offering a potential 50/50 chance of relief, the treatment is still in its early stages and carries a hefty price tag.
The procedure,along wiht travel and rehabilitation costs,exceeds $40,000 – a significant financial burden not covered by Australia’s Medicare system. However, thanks to generous donations totaling $20,000, Morton has been able to proceed with the treatment.
Advocacy and the Future
Despite the challenges, Morton remains hopeful.”In 2024, I believe there must be technology out there, somewhere, that can at least help,” she stated. “My plan is then to dedicate my life to becoming a fierce advocate for people with invisible ‘mystery’ illnesses. I want them to know that they are not alone, I want them to hope and trust in the science that is emerging, and I want us to come together and fight for better healthcare.”
Morton’s story resonates with many facing similar struggles with rare and debilitating conditions. Her determination to find relief and her commitment to advocating for improved healthcare access serve as an inspiration to others navigating the complexities of the medical system.
A Glimpse into the Struggle: Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia
Emily Morton’s story of living with atypical trigeminal neuralgia highlights the debilitating nature of this frequently enough-misunderstood condition. In this interview, we speak with Dr. Sarah Evans, a leading neurologist specializing in facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia, to shed light on this complex neurological disorder.
World Today news Senior Editor: Dr. Evans, thank you for joining us today. Emily’s story is truly heartbreaking. Can you help our readers understand what trigeminal neuralgia is and why it’s often referred to as “suicide disease”?
Dr. Sarah Evans: trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for carrying sensations from the face to the brain. Imagine the pain of an electric shock shooting through yoru face, triggered by even the slightest touch – brushing your teeth, a gentle breeze, or even speaking. This intense, stabbing pain can be absolutely debilitating, lasting for seconds to minutes, and can occur multiple times a day.The nickname ”suicide disease” unfortunately stems from the severity of the pain and the desperation it can cause in sufferers.
World Today News Senior Editor: emily mentioned that her case is bilateral, affecting both sides of her face. Is this common?
Dr. Sarah Evans: Bilateral trigeminal neuralgia is less common than the typical form, which onyl affects one side of the face. Bilateral cases can be notably challenging to manage, as the pain signals are coming from both sides of the brain.
World Today News Senior Editor: what are some of the most common causes of trigeminal neuralgia?
Dr. Sarah evans: In many cases, trigeminal neuralgia is caused by a blood vessel compressing the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brainstem. Other potential causes include tumors, multiple sclerosis, strokes, and even facial trauma.
World Today News Senior Editor: Emily’s case highlights the difficulty many patients face in getting a diagnosis. What advice would you give to those who suspect they might have trigeminal neuralgia?
Dr. Sarah Evans: persistent facial pain, especially if it’s sudden, severe, and triggered by touch, should never be ignored. Seek immediate medical attention from your primary care doctor or a neurologist. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing trigeminal neuralgia and improving quality of life.
World Today News Senior Editor: What treatment options are available for trigeminal neuralgia?
Dr.Sarah Evans: Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the pain and the individual patient. Medications can help manage some cases, but they often have side effects. There are also minimally invasive procedures like MRI-guided focused ultrasound, which Dr. Morton is undergoing, that target the pain signals directly. in severe cases,surgery may be considered.
World Today News Senior Editor: Dr. evans, thank you for sharing your expertise and shedding light on this challenging condition.
