Salman Khan Opens Up About Trigeminal Neuralgia, Expert Explains the Condition

Mumbai | September 25, 2025 Bollywood actor Salman Khan has once again shared his struggle with trigeminal neuralgia, a severe nerve disorder that causes intense, stabbing facial pain. Khan, who underwent surgery in 2011, revealed the debilitating impact of the condition on his daily life during a recent talk show hosted by Kajol and Twinkle Khanna. Salman Khan’s Personal Experience The actor described how his symptoms began on the set of the 2007 film Partner, triggered by a simple gesture when actress Lara Dutta moved a strand of hair from his face. He recalled enduring pain every 4–5 minutes for over seven years. “It would take me an hour and a half just to have breakfast. Even an omelette was difficult; I had to force myself through the pain,” Khan said. He explained that even routine activities like brushing teeth or applying makeup could trigger sharp, electric-shock-like pain, making daily life extremely challenging. What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia? Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman of Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Gurugram, explained that trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensory signals from the face to the brain. The nerve has three branches: The first branch covers the forehead and eyes. The second branch covers the upper jaw. The third branch covers the lower jaw. Malfunctioning of any branch causes sudden, severe, and brief pain. Everyday activities such as talking, eating, or touching the face can worsen the condition. Many patients initially mistake it for dental problems, as the pain can mimic toothache. The condition is more common in women and individuals over 50, but it is manageable with proper treatment. Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia Common causes include arteries or veins pressing on the nerve, cysts or tumors, and multiple sclerosis, which damages the nerve’s protective myelin sheath. Other triggers can include facial injuries, stroke, or complications from dental surgery. Treatment Options Treatment begins with medication to improve nerve function and provide relief. Most drugs are sodium channel blockers, which prevent nerve impulses from transmitting pain signals to the brain. For patients who do not respond to medication, interventional procedures are available: Radiofrequency laser ablation: Heat creates a lesion on the nerve to block pain signals. Balloon compression: The nerve is compressed to relieve pain. Glycerol injection: Causes minor nerve damage to reduce pain. Microvascular decompression: A surgical procedure that lifts blood vessels away from the nerve to relieve pressure. Dr. Gupta emphasized that most patients experience significant relief from these interventions, allowing them to resume normal activities. Conclusion Salman Khan’s candid discussion highlights the challenges of living with trigeminal neuralgia, often called the “suicidal disease” due to its extreme pain. With a combination of medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery, patients can manage this debilitating condition effectively and improve quality of life. Salman Khan Shares Struggle with Trigeminal Neuralgia Bollywood star Salman Khan opened up about his battle with trigeminal neuralgia, a severe nerve disorder causing intense facial pain. He revealed how even simple activities like brushing teeth or applying makeup could trigger electric-shock-like pain, making daily life extremely difficult. Khan first experienced symptoms in 2007 and underwent surgery in 2011 to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Neurologists explain that the condition affects the trigeminal nerve, with causes ranging from vascular compression to multiple sclerosis. Treatments include medications, nerve-block procedures, and surgery, offering relief to most patients and improving their quality of life.