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Pallavi Mehra • 27 Mar 2025

Salman Khan’s Struggle With ‘Suicide Disease’: All You Need To Know About This Intensely Painful Condition

Salman Khan’s Struggle With ‘Suicide Disease’: All You Need To Know About This Intensely Painful Condition (Image Credits: Instagram)

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is gearing up for the release of his film Sikandar, but behind his stardom, he has battled a painful nerve condition—trigeminal neuralgia. This disorder, often referred to as the “suicide disease,” causes severe facial pain and has driven many patients to despair.
He has been vocal about his struggles, saying, “That’s one disease that basically has the highest rates of suicides. There is so much pain, I suffered that.” He admitted that at one point, he felt suicidal but decided to channel his energy into working harder. “I realized that I need to work really hard, no matter how much pain I’m going through,” he added.

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensations. It causes sudden, electric shock-like pain in areas such as the jaw, cheeks, lips, and nose.
According to a study published in the Journal of Headache and Pain, trigeminal neuralgia affects approximately 12 in 100,000 people each year, with most cases occurring in individuals over 50. However, younger individuals and even children can develop the condition, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Dr Mark Burish, a neurologist at McGovern Medical School in Texas, explains, “Trigeminal neuralgia can be one of the most severe pain disorders, often mistaken for dental issues or migraines, which delays proper treatment.”
“When triggered, the condition causes intense, shock-like pain that can feel unbearable. While the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia can be intolerable, various treatment options are now available to manage and alleviate symptoms,” Dr Anurag Saxena, Cluster Head Delhi-NCR - Department of Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital Dwarka said.

Why Does It Happen?

The primary cause of trigeminal neuralgia is nerve compression, often due to a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve. Other causes include multiple sclerosis, tumours, or nerve damage from injury or surgery.
A study in the British Journal of Neurosurgery suggests that demyelination (loss of nerve insulation) in the trigeminal nerve plays a key role in triggering pain. “In some cases, even mild stimulation—like brushing your teeth—can trigger extreme pain,” says Dr Burish.

Symptoms and Triggers

Common symptoms include:
    Sudden, sharp, or burning pain on one side of the face
  • Pain lasting from a few seconds to minutes
  • Pain triggered by routine activities such as talking, chewing, or touching the face
    • Triggers include:
      Cold winds or air conditioning
  • Eating spicy or acidic foods
  • Facial movements like smiling or brushing teeth

    • Treatment Options

    While trigeminal neuralgia is not life-threatening, it can severely impact daily life. Treatment options include:
      Medications: Anticonvulsants like carbamazepine and gabapentin help manage nerve pain.
  • Surgical Procedures: Microvascular decompression (MVD) can relieve nerve pressure.
  • Minimally Invasive Therapies: Gamma Knife radiosurgery offers non-invasive relief.

    • Preventive Measures

    While trigeminal neuralgia cannot always be prevented, lifestyle adjustments can help reduce triggers:
      Avoid known triggers like extreme temperatures and spicy foods.
  • Manage stress with relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
  • Maintain regular dental checkups to rule out misdiagnoses.
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