Thane Hospital performs two surgeries in cases of Trigeminal Neuralgia, the ‘Suicide Disease’

Trigeminal Neuralgia is considered one of the most painful conditions in medical science.

Written by Naresh S

September 16, 2025 07:59 PM IST

2 min read

Modi, Karki to talk over phone on Thursday. (representative image)

Highland Super Speciality Hospital, Thane, has successfully performed two surgeries on patients suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), a rare but excruciating nerve disorder often referred to as the “suicide disease” due to the unbearable intensity of facial pain the patient experiences.

Trigeminal Neuralgia is considered one of the most painful conditions in medical science. It affects the trigeminal nerve, which has three branches carrying sensations to the forehead, cheek, and jaw. Even simple acts like brushing teeth, eating, talking, or exposure to cold can trigger attacks.
“TN is a type of chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve. Pain can affect one or more branches and is typically one-sided, though in very rare cases both sides may be involved,” explained Dr. Chandranath Tiwari, neurosurgeon at Highland Super Speciality Hospital, who conducted the surgeries.

Dr. Tiwari added that diagnosing TN remains a challenge since its symptoms often resemble dental problems, migraines, sinus infections, or temporomandibular joint disorders. “Living with TN can be emotionally and physically exhausting, but recovery is possible. If anyone is experiencing intense or unexplained facial pain, it’s essential to consult a neurologist or pain specialist,” he said.

One of the patients, Tabassum Khalil Hafeez, a 46-year-old from Raigad, lived with severe pain for nearly two years. Initially misdiagnosed as a dental problem, she underwent multiple dental procedures, including a root canal and wisdom tooth extraction, with no relief. “I couldn’t talk, eat, or even drink water normally. Food had to be mashed and fed with a spoon like for a baby. The pain never reduced,” she said.

After an MRI revealed nerve damage, Hafeez was referred to Dr. Tiwari. She underwent surgery on August 19, 2025.

Another patient, Namdev Patil, a 53-year-old rickshaw driver from Bhiwandi, described his pain as “shock-like and unbearable” on the right side of his face. Medications offered little relief before he underwent surgery in May 2025.

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