Relief for Raigad woman from rare neuro condition

THANE: After over a year of misdiagnosis and suffering, 46-year-old Tabassum Hafeez from Kolad in Raigad finally found relief from a rare neurological condition-Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)-following successful surgery at a Thane-based hospital last month.Tabassum said she endured intense facial pain and a progressive inability to open her mouth, which severely impacted her ability to eat or speak. "Mistaking my condition to be a dental issue, I consulted over 25 dentists, underwent root canal treatment, and even tried multiple oral care products but without relief. Eventually, a Mumbai-based neurosurgeon confirmed the condition and referred me to this hospital last month where I got operated. It was as if I almost saw the end and have now returned safely to leading a normal life," she said."Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries facial sensations to the brain. It causes severe, shock-like facial pain, often triggered by everyday activities like talking, brushing, or even wind exposure," said Dr Chandranath Tiwari, neurosurgeon at Highland Super Speciality Hospital who operated on her. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Dr Tiwari described TN as "the suicide disease" due to the excruciating pain and its severe toll on mental health. He stressed that the condition, although rare, is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to prolonged patient suffering. The pain usually affects one side of the face, but in rare cases, both sides can be involved.According to doctors, trigeminal neuralgia is most common in individuals over 50, though it can occur at any age. Diagnosis is challenging as symptoms mimic migraines, sinusitis, or TMJ disorders. "There's no definitive test, so clinical evaluation is critical," he said, adding that approximately 1.5 lakh cases are reported annually in the US. He also mentioned a well-known Bollywood superstar battled the same condition. Medical experts advise those experiencing unexplained facial pain to consult a neurologist or pain specialist promptly, as early intervention can prevent prolonged suffering and improve quality of life. tnn