Salman Khan Opens Up About Battling Painful ‘Suicide Disease’ for Years: All About Trigeminal Neuralgia

While Trigeminal Neuralgia is a thing of the past for superstar Salman Khan, there was a time in his life when he suffered severe pain across his face, and even eating became unbearable. Opening up about the condition – also known as the “suicide disease”- the 59-year-old said it affected him for more than seven years before he got surgery. Speaking on Prime Video’s Two Much, hosted by Kajol and Twinkle Khanna, Salman said he first experienced the excruciating condition on the sets of his 2007 film Partner, when co-star Lara Dutta removed a hair strand from his face. “I was doing Partner, and Lara was there. She just removed a hair strand from my face, and it triggered the pain,” he said. Salman said the pain affected both his personal and professional

life. “It used to take me an hour and a half for breakfast, and then I used to go straight to dinner,” he added. “When they asked me when this pain goes away, I told them that it reduces a bit, and it keeps coming back at a bit longer interval when he had a drink or two. That is when they realised that it is a nerve thing,” Salman told the hosts.

What is trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia leads to episodes of intense facial pain that can disrupt your everyday activities. Doctors say it mostly happens when a blood vessel puts pressure on your trigeminal nerve near your brainstem. This nerve provides sensation to your head and face. Trigeminal neuralgia is a type of neuropathic pain. While the condition is not life-threatening, trigeminal neuralgia can be life-altering. Doctors say even simple activities like chewing, talking, smiling, and brushing your teeth can trigger brief bouts of intense pain, making it both a physical and emotional condition. TN is typically chronic, but there are several treatments that can help manage your symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia

According to experts, the main symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, intense pain in your face — usually on one side. The pain may be an electric shock-like or stabbing sensation. You may also have facial muscle spasms during the attacks. In between pain attacks, you may feel the following sensations:

• Burning
• Throbbing
• Numbness
• Dull pain

What causes trigeminal neuralgia?

According to doctors, the pressure on or damage to your trigeminal nerve causes the condition. A few risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Excessive smoking
• Ageing
• Being a female
• Having a biological family history of the condition.

Treatment methods

Doctors can provide a combination of medications, surgery, and other therapies to treat trigeminal neuralgia. Medication is often the first therapy your provider will suggest and includes antiseizure medications and muscle relaxants. However, surgery is typically considered only when the medication does not work to manage your symptoms. Surgical options vary in complexity and have a range of risks and side effects.