New Delhi, 27 September, 2025: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently shed light once again on his long-standing battle with trigeminal neuralgia, a rare but extremely painful neurological condition often referred to as the “suicide disease” due to the intensity of its pain. Speaking on a talk show hosted by Kajol and Twinkle Khanna, Khan recalled the debilitating pain he endured for over seven years before undergoing surgery in 2011.
His revelation has brought attention to a condition that is rarely discussed but can have a devastating impact on those who live with it. In this article, we break down what trigeminal neuralgia is, its symptoms, causes, treatment options, and why Salman Khan’s openness is crucial for spreading awareness.
Salman Khan’s Journey With Trigeminal Neuralgia
Khan first experienced symptoms during the filming of his 2007 movie Partner. He recalled that actor Lara Dutta had moved a strand of hair from his face when he suddenly felt a stabbing, unbearable pain. This pain would recur every 4–5 minutes, disrupting his ability to eat, speak, and live normally.
“For an omelette, I couldn’t chew it, I had to force myself, hurt myself, take as much pain, so I could get rid of the meal,” Khan said, describing how simple activities like eating breakfast became a painful ordeal.
He endured this for over seven and a half years before undergoing surgery in 2011 to relieve the pressure on the trigeminal nerve — a procedure known to help many patients. His candid account sheds light on the severity of this often-overlooked disorder.
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. In TN, even mild stimulation of the face — such as brushing teeth, chewing, touching, or exposure to wind — can trigger excruciating pain episodes.
Doctors describe the pain as sharp, electric shock-like, or stabbing. It can last from a few seconds to several minutes and may recur in clusters throughout the day. Because of its severity, TN has been termed the “suicide disease” by some, reflecting the extreme despair patients often feel when trying to cope with relentless pain.
Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms vary from person to person but typically include:
- Sudden, severe, stabbing facial pain (often on one side of the face)
- Pain triggered by simple activities like talking, chewing, shaving, touching the face, or even exposure to a breeze
- Tingling or burning sensations between pain attacks
- Episodes lasting seconds to minutes but recurring frequently
- Progressive worsening over time if untreated
Early recognition of these symptoms can lead to quicker diagnosis and better management.
Why It’s Called the “Suicide Disease”
The term “suicide disease” arises from the fact that the pain can be so intense and unpredictable that some patients experience feelings of hopelessness. Although many live successfully with the condition, untreated or poorly managed TN can severely impact mental health, social interactions, and quality of life.
Salman Khan’s openness about his pain — especially being one of the world’s most recognized stars — is helping to destigmatize discussions about the emotional toll of chronic pain conditions.
Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The most common cause of TN is compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel, which irritates the nerve and leads to abnormal pain signals. Other causes may include:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) or other conditions damaging the nerve’s protective covering
- Tumors pressing on the trigeminal nerve
- Facial trauma or surgical injury
- In some cases, no clear cause is found (idiopathic TN)
Risk factors include age (it’s more common over 50), but TN can occur in younger individuals as well.
Diagnosis: How Doctors Identify Trigeminal Neuralgia
Doctors typically diagnose TN based on a detailed description of symptoms and physical examination. Imaging tests such as MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions or identify nerve compression.
Accurate diagnosis is important because TN symptoms can mimic other dental or sinus problems, leading to unnecessary dental procedures before the correct diagnosis is made.
Treatment Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but treatments generally fall into these categories:
1. Medications
- Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine are first-line drugs for reducing pain signals.
- Muscle relaxants like baclofen may be combined with anticonvulsants.
- Painkillers such as NSAIDs usually don’t work for TN, since the pain is nerve-related.
2. Surgical Procedures
For patients whose pain doesn’t respond to medications, surgical interventions can provide relief. Common procedures include:
- Microvascular decompression (MVD): Relieves pressure on the nerve by moving or removing the compressing blood vessel. This is the procedure Salman Khan underwent in 2011.
- Gamma Knife radiosurgery: A non-invasive procedure using targeted radiation to damage the nerve fibers transmitting pain.
- Rhizotomy: Destroying certain nerve fibers to block pain signals.
3. Complementary Therapies
Some patients find partial relief from therapies such as acupuncture, physical therapy, mindfulness, or biofeedback, though these work best alongside medical care.
Living With Trigeminal Neuralgia
Managing TN requires more than just medical treatment. Lifestyle adjustments and emotional support can play a crucial role.
- Avoiding triggers such as cold drafts, chewing on the affected side, or certain foods
- Practicing stress management (stress may worsen pain episodes)
- Seeking mental health support if chronic pain impacts mood or relationships
- Joining support groups to connect with others living with TN
Salman Khan’s journey highlights the importance of resilience and seeking timely medical intervention.
Why Salman Khan’s Story Matters
By sharing his experience, Salman Khan has helped bring public attention to a condition many suffer in silence. His story serves as a reminder that even highly successful individuals can face invisible illnesses.
Public figures speaking about their health challenges often lead to greater awareness, early diagnosis, and improved empathy for others living with similar conditions.
Key Takeaways for Awareness
- Trigeminal neuralgia is rare but not uncommon. Awareness is crucial for early diagnosis.
- Severe facial pain is not normal. Anyone experiencing sharp, recurrent pain should consult a neurologist.
- Effective treatments exist. Medications and surgery can significantly improve quality of life.
- Mental health support matters. The emotional toll of chronic pain should never be underestimated.s
Salman Khan’s openness about his battle with trigeminal neuralgia offers hope to countless others silently living with chronic pain. By bringing this issue into the spotlight, he is helping demystify a condition often misunderstood even within medical circles.
Trigeminal neuralgia may be called the “suicide disease” because of the severity of its pain, but with timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and emotional support, most people can find relief and reclaim their quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained facial pain, consult a neurologist promptly — early intervention can make all the difference.
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