Salman Khan suffering from trigeminal neuralgia; know more about the condition

Bollywood actor Salman Khan is known for his flamboyance that has helped him get many fans over the years. Being in the industry for more than three decades, he has devoted his life to films but rarely has the actor revealed about his health issues till now.

In a recent interview on the first episode of `The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 3` last weekend, Khan discussed everything including his life and marriage. Many were not prepared for what came next from the actor, who is usually known to be quite private. During the course of the chat, he also revealed about certain health conditions that he was dealing with, while giving acting his all, but has dealt with them head on.

The `Bodyguard` actor said he is suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, which is only one of three conditions that he mentioned. The other two are brain aneurysm and arteriovenous malformations. 

To help readers understand the health conditions better, mid-day spoke to Dr Furqan Khan, consultant neurologist at Saifee Hospital and Dr Daanish Chhapra, consultant neurology at Holy Family Hospital to firstly understand trigeminal neuralgia. They not only stress on the causes but also the effects.

What is trigeminal neuralgia?

Khan: Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder that occurs along the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensation from the face to the brain. Trigeminal neuralgia results in brief, intense, electric shock-like facial pain, generally on one side of the face.

Chhapra: The pain can be triggered by minimal stimulation, such as brushing teeth or talking, and can significantly impact daily activities. This condition can be debilitating, affecting a person`s quality of life. The exact cause is often unknown, but nerve compression or damage may contribute to the condition.

What are the causes of trigeminal neuralgia?

Khan: Most often, compression of the trigeminal nerve by an arterial blood vessel at its origin in the brainstem is the cause. Other causes are multiple sclerosis, tumours, arteriovenous malformations, or nerve damage due to trauma or surgery.

Chhapra: Trigeminal neuralgia is often caused by nerve compression, where blood vessels press against the trigeminal nerve, disrupting signals and causing pain. Other risk factors include advanced age, female gender, multiple sclerosis, facial trauma, and underlying neurological conditions. Hypertension and excessive dental procedures can also contribute to the condition. In some cases, the cause may be idiopathic, meaning unknown. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and management.

What are the effects of trigeminal neuralgia?

Khan: The condition can also have a very adverse effect on the quality of life. Pain attacks can be precipitated by such simple activities as eating, teeth brushing, or even a slight breeze. The patient will develop anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal over time.

Chhapra: Trigeminal neuralgia can significantly impact daily life, causing severe facial pain that affects eating, speaking, and other activities. The pain can be unpredictable and vary in intensity, leading to emotional distress and decreased quality of life. It can also affect sleep, social interactions, and overall well-being. The condition`s impact can be substantial, making it essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are the treatment options?

Khan: Treatment usually begins with drugs such as carbamazepine. If drugs do not work, treatments include injection of Botox, surgical microvascular decompression, radio frequency ablation, or gamma knife radiosurgery. All methods are designed to diminish nerve irritation or interrupt pain signals.

Chhapra: Treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia include medications, surgery, and alternative therapies. Medications can help manage pain, while surgical procedures like glycerol injection, radio frequency thermal lesioning, and balloon compression can provide relief. Alternative therapies like yoga, meditation, and acupuncture may also help alleviate symptoms. A healthcare professional can determine the best course of treatment based on individual needs and medical history. Early diagnosis and proper medical intervention can improve patient outcomes.

What is the age group affected by it? Does it differ based on gender?

Khan: It normally occurs in people above 50 years, although it may happen at an earlier age. Women develop it more than men, in the proportion of 3:2.

Chhapra: Trigeminal neuralgia typically affects people over 50, with women being twice as likely as men to develop the condition. The annual rate is 5.9 per 100,000 for women and 3.4 per 100,000 for men. While it can occur at any age, the risk increases with age. Understanding the demographics and risk factors can help healthcare professionals provide targeted care and support.

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