Gerwyn Tumelty, a 52-year-old man from Ecuador, recounts his excruciating struggle with trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by severe facial pain that many describe as feeling like a screwdriver stabbing into their face. This debilitating pain led Tumelty to moments of despair, even contemplating whether he wanted to continue living. His frequent episodes of overwhelming agony would sometimes strike unexpectedly, forcing him to leave the dining table mid-meal, much to his children's distress.

The condition, often misdiagnosed as dental pain, arises when a blood vessel compresses the trigeminal nerve in the face. Each year, around eight out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK. Unfortunately, many patients, like one woman who waited seven years for a correct diagnosis, experience significant delays in getting proper treatment, which can exacerbate their suffering.

Trigeminal neuralgia is not only physically debilitating but can also lead to mental health issues as patients struggle to manage the unpredictable nature of their pain. Organizations like the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK work tirelessly to raise awareness about this condition, advocating for better recognition and treatment options. As more people like Tumelty share their stories, the hope is that awareness will lead to quicker diagnoses and more effective management of this intensely painful condition.