President – Lonni U. Jensen
Trigeminal neuralgia is an extremely severe facial pain which comes and goes unpredictably in sudden shock-like attacks. Each attack normally lasts a few seconds (up to maximum one or two minutes), but may be repeated hundreds of times a day, every time one of the “trigger points” in the face or the mouth is released. The pain attacks may be supplemented by a constant burning/oppressive pain component.
There can be long periods of months or years with no pain, after which the suffering returns, typical for a new period of several months.
The pain can normally be controlled by anticonvulsant drugs (used to treat epilepsy). The required drug doses are usually very high, resulting in side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, memory problems and others.
If the pain persists or the side effects of the medication become intolerable, several surgical options can be considered.
The Danish Trigeminal Neuralgia Association supports people suffering from above disorder with information, advice and an empathetic ear.
We issue a newsletter for our members 3 times a year. Further we arrange information meetings and member meetings are arranged in different locations in the country, and in connection with our General Assembly lectures with specialists on the suffering is arranged.
We have a close collaboration with the Danish Headache Centre at Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, and further have contacts with the relevant specialized centres in the different regions of the country.