Trigeminal Neuralgia Icon / Teal / print@1x Print Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) used to also be called ‘tic douloureux’ or ‘tic convulsif’. In French, tic means “muscle twitch” or “spasm”; douloureux means “painful”. TN is an example of neuropathic pain, arising from the trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve). New cases of trigeminal neuralgia affect 4 to 5 of every 100,000 people in the United States each year. TN affects women slightly more often than men; however, there is a much higher incidence for males over 80. Peak incidence begins as 50-60 years of age and increases with age. In 60-69 year-olds, it is 17.5/100,000; in >80 year-olds, it is 25.9/100,000. TN is a unilateral facial pain syndrome (on one side); however bilateral cases (on both sides) have been reported in 2%-5% of cases. For […]
It is estimated that 150,000 people each year are diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) (Pilitsis, 2024). If you are one of those suffering from TN, also known as tic douloureux, you […]
[…] doing surgery under the microscope. Dr. Rhoton was the next link in my connection to trigeminal neuralgia (TN) surgery. During a break in the course, in the dense heat of July […]
By Collin B. Kilgore, BS, Michael Lim, MD, Risheng Xu, MD, PhD Typical trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is thought to result from vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve, the principal sensory nerve […]
[…] development (K01) award from the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) focused on trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in older adults. This project, titled “Real-world Evidence Study with Patient Input to […]
Dr. Mark Linskey provides four key points about pediatric trigeminal neuralgia.
Subscribe
Features Medical article: Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Facial Pain FPA 10th National Conference, Teaching the Nervous System to Forget Chronic Pain, TN and the Wintertime Blues Click here to […]
Features Medical article: Dr. Jeffrey Brown, FPA Medical Advisory Board Chairman A TN Warrior Faces Medicare Part D, Prescription for harm: Dangerous drug mix leaves woman fighting for life, YPC: […]
Features Medical article: Trigeminal Neuralgia without Neurovascular Compression by Dr. Kim Burchiel Orofacial Pain Diagnosis, Selecting a Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practitioner, My Story with Facial Pain – Winnie Oguta, […]
Features Medical article: Do I Have Anesthesia Dolorosa? A Patient’s Guide to Management of Trigeminal Neuropathies and Other Facial Pains, Can Medical Marijuana Conquer Pain?, Stress Exacerbated Systemic Illness, YPC: […]
Features Optimizing Primary Partner Relationships in the Context of Chronic Facial Pain, What your Doctor Needs to Know, YPC: “Coming Out of the Facial Pain Closet” Click here to access […]
Features Medical article: Microvascular Decompression: Attacking the Root of the Problem by Dr. Ken Casey Also included: FPA Medical Glossary, YPC article: Spring Cleaning for TN and Facial Pain Click […]
Features Medical article: Trigeminal Neuralgia without Neurovascular Compression by Dr. Kim Burchiel Medical article: Medical Treatment for Facial Pain by Dr. Jeffrey Cohen Also included: Exploring the Social Impacts of […]
Features Medical article: What to Do When Your Surgeon Says There is Nothing Left for Him to Do A TN Warrior Faces Medicare Part D, Maintaining a Positive Attitude, Managing […]
Features Medical article: Medical Marijuana for the Treatment of Chronic Pain FPA Stanford Conference, Nutrition and Diet’s Effect on Facial Pain, What Patients Should Know About Pain Relief Click here […]
Features Medical article: Dental Issues Associated with Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain Managing TN Flare-Ups, Receiving and Interpreting Medical Tests, Efficacy of Treating TN with CyberKnife, YPC: Patient Profile Click here to […]
Features Medical article: Comparison of Pain Relief in MVD and Radiosurgery in TN Study Report Ask the Doctor: Ramesh Babu, An Artist’s Approach to Trigeminal Neuralgia, YPC: Service Pets Click […]
Features Medical article: Medical Cannabis, Part I YPC: Patient Profile Click here to access Quarterly Journal Fall/Winter 2018.
Features Medical article: Medical Cannabis, Part II Three Personal Experiences with Medical Cannabis, YPC: Member Profile Click here to access Quarterly Journal Summer 2019.
Features Medical article: A Prescription for Treating Fake Health News, Patient Profile: Naomi Serviss, YPC: What TN Awareness Day Represents for Young Patients FPA’s First Virtual Conference, YPC: Happiness Doesn’t […]
Features Medical article: Motor Cortex Stimulation for TN Treatment MRI Procedures Concerns, Highlights from UC San Diego National Conference, YPC: Preparing for Winter Weather Click here to access Quarterly Journal […]
Features Medical article: Surgical Treatment of Migraine Headaches Top Tips from Other Facial Pain Sufferers, A Conversation with FPA Founder Claire Patterson, YPC: Friendship Click here to access Quarterly Journal […]
Features Medical article: Medical Causes of Facial Pain Urgent Care Recommendations, Primer to Cranial Care, YPC: Enlightened Reading Suggestions Click here to access Quarterly Journal Fall 2020.
When severe facial pain is an emergency, this guidance will inform the doctors how to treat you.
Features Medical article: Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia FPA’s First Virtual Conference, YPC: Happiness Doesn’t Happen Overnight Click here to access Quarterly Journal Winter 2021.
Jonathan Greenberg, Research Staff Psychologist, Harvard Brain Integrative Health Clinic and Research Program will explain what mindfulness is and how it is used in therapeutic and other settings.
Features Medical article: Occipital Neuralgia FPA’s New Logo, Volunteer Spotlight: Susan Mills, YPC: Tips on How to Afford Your Prescription Medication Click here to access Quarterly Journal Spring 2021.
Dysesthesia is a chronic pain or uncomfortable sensation stemming from the central nervous system.
Dr. Ramesh Babu answers some common questions about botox for facial pain.
Learn whether trigeminal neuralgia can make you eligible for disability benefits.
Get tips on how to deal with pain in public, so that you can still enjoy yourself while out with family, friends, a significant other, or by yourself.
Mindfulness has increasingly gained attention over the past few decades, as it is gradually implemented in medical care, hospitals, schools, and businesses.
Facial pain affects you and those who love you. Learn to improve the quality of your relationships when you have face pain.
Medical cannabis has become a useful tool in the toolbox for people with facial pain. Learn more about cannabis for face pain.
Dr. Mark Linskey provides four key points about pediatric trigeminal neuralgia.
Maintaining dental health is important for people with face pain. These steps will help you stop avoiding the dentist.
Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition, and refers to all pain initiated or caused by a lesion or dysfunction in the nervous system.
Learn how to stop facial pain from negatively impacting your relationships.
For many people with facial pain, weather can cause pain flares. Learn why weather can affect your facial pain and what you can do to minimize it.
Complementary health approaches offer natural, effective, and less-invasive methods for improving your pain and wellbeing.
Microvascular decompression is a surgical treatment for neuropathic facial pain. Learn whether MVD is an option for you.
Neuromodulation can relieve various types of facial pain. Learn more about neuromodulation and whether it can help your face pain.
Prepare for facial pain flares and learn how to better avoid and deal with face pain flares when they happen.
Chronic facial pain can tear at the fabric of your identity. With some help, you can put facial pain in its place.
Research shows that your gender affects how you experience pain. As a woman, you may also receive different treatment for your facial pain.
When you have facial pain, it’s not always easy to remain positive. Learn how you can improve your facial pain and well-being with a positive attitude.
Facial pain can create fears and doubts. Learn about taking control of your life with facial pain.
Facial pain can be described in many words…but if you had to choose just one, what would it be? The YPC recently shared how we would describe TN in one word and how we plan to overcome TN.
Learn about getting a comprehensive orofacial pain evaluation and become an educated patient.
What are trigeminal neuropathies? Learn about causes of facial pain and what you can do.
I found support at FPA- and then I paid it forward. Read Susan’s facial pain story.
Five years pain free after successful MVD, and counting. Read David’s facial pain story.
A random accident sent one woman on an unexpected facial pain journey.
Claire Patterson talks about her founding of our organization in 1990.
FPA Board Chairman David Meyers welcomes you to our new website.
If you suffer from true migraine headaches, there are surgical treatments that may be appropriate for you.
Medical disorders that affect the facial nerve may be the cause of your pain. Learn more about underlying conditions that cause face pain.
Facial pain patient Kenzie talks about being a young person with trigeminal neuralgia.
Facial pain patient Lilia talks about being a young person with trigeminal neuralgia.
Facial pain patient Emmy talks about being a young person with geniculate neuralgia, vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and Chiari.
Worry about being able to afford your prescription medication while you are in pain adds to the frustration and fear for people with facial pain.
Dr. Deborah Barrett offers a framework and tools to help people improve their quality of life, just as they are, while also reducing pain and suffering. Her work draws from empirically based cognitive and behavioral interventions, and she practices what she preaches every day.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. This presentation will review the applications of EMDR for people with facial pain.
Michele Cohen, LCSW and FPA Support Group Leader discusses the benefits of psychotherapy and support programs, including her own experience as someone with facial pain.
Two people affected by neuropathic facial pain discuss their experience using medical marijuana.
Dr. Julie Pilitsis, Chair of the Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics Professor of Neurosurgery Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical Center and FPA Medical Advisory Board member presents an overview of trigeminal neuralgia and other neuropathic facial pains.
Dr. Derek Steinbacher, Director of Craniofacial Surgery, Yale Medicine, Chief of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry, FPA Medical Advisory Board member, reviews migraines, TMJ disorders, and dental pain.
Jennifer M. Wagner, Executive Director of the Western Pain Society, explains the brain-body connection with an emphasis on pain response and provides a list of strategies for those affected by chronic pain.
Dr. Steven Chang of Stanford University Medical Center and FPA Medical Advisory Board member reviews radiation treatment options for neuropathic facial pain.
Dr. Jeffrey Cohen discusses non-surgical treatments.
In this webinar, Dr. Jeffrey Brown, Chairman of the FPA Medical Advisory Board, talks about the top questions patients and their loved ones have regarding trigeminal neuralgia.
Dr. Raymond Sekula, Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Director of the Cranial Nerve Disorders Program at UPMC, and FPA Medical Advisory Board member reviews the challenges that can complicate the care of people with neuropathic facial pain.
Dr. Jeffrey Brown, Chairman of the Facial Pain Association’s Medical Advisory Board, interviews Dr. Hossein Ansari on medical causes of neuropathic facial pain.
Complementary health approaches, also referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), integrative health therapies, and other terms, refers to a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, […]
Neuropathic facial pain is diagnosed almost exclusively by the individual’s description of the symptoms. Dr. Kim Burchiel developed a list of questions to help doctors determine exactly which classification may describe a […]
Two members of the facial pain community, Ally Kubik and Jodi Irwin, share their experiences of being mothers while coping with facial pain.
Dr. Wolfgang Liedtke will discuss medical treatment of trigeminal neuropathic pain with Dr. Jeffrey Brown.
Wolfgang Liedtke, M.D. Ph.D. is Chair of Neurology, Global Development Scientific Council at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Prior to that, he was Professor in the Departments of Neurology, Anesthesiology and Neurobiology; Attending Physician, Duke Neurology Clinics and Clinics for Innovative Pain Therapy, serving patients there for over 17 years.
Dr. Lisa Scott-Morrow discusses techniques for coping with trigeminal neuropathic pain.
Dr. Mark Linskey discusses how to get facial pain diagnoses and facial pain treatment for children.
Dr. Michael Lim discusses different diagnoses and treatments for facial pain.
Dr. Michael Lim gives an overview of trigeminal neuralgia.
Dr. Raymond F. Sekula, Jr. explains the microvascular decompression procedure, a treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia.
Janet Ditslear discusses how facial pain can affect marriage and family life.
Dr. Konstantin Slavin discusses neuromodulation, a procedure used to treat and enhance quality of life in individuals who suffer severe chronic illness due to persistent pain.
Dr. Julie Pilitsis discusses ways to get your pain to manageable levels.
Dr. Mark Linskey, Dr. Richard Zimmerman, and Megan Hamilton discuss what to look for in the decision making process when you are trying to find a doctor and treatment for facial pain.
Dr. Larry Arbeitman will answer: What is Upper Cervical Chiropractic? How does is differ from traditional Chiropractic methods? Learn about the connection between the Upper Cervical Spine and Facial Pain, research and case studies, what you can expect from UCC and how you can integrate it into your healthcare plan. You will also be able to ask Dr. Arbeitman your questions during this live presentation.
Features Medical article: Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia Also included: A Project of Art and Maybe Some Healing, 2020 FPA Annual Report Click here to access Quarterly Journal Summer 2021.
Dr. Gary Stanton explains how acupuncture can help manage TN pain.
Facial pain patient Erika Greenup shares her story about being diagnosed with atypical TN at 24 and how she copes with art.
Facial pain patient Rosa Jimenez shares her experience with chronic pain and being an FPA Peer Mentor.
Facial pain patient Kerrin Hearney shares her experience of being diagnosed at a young age and navigating the healthcare system.
Hear from Steph, Emmy, Lindsey, Meredith, Kenzie, and Rachel from the YPC. Take their quiz to find out who you are most similar to!
Dr. Leesa Scott-Morrow will discuss anxiety in people with facial pain.This webinar will introduce the brain mechanisms that are involved in the experience of fear and anxiety, including discussion of […]
In March 2021, the article “Microvascular Transposition Without Teflon: A Single Institution’s 17-Year Experience Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia” was published in the peer-reviewed journal Operative Neurosurgery. The senior author and surgeon of […]
Background Biohaven Pharmaceuticals is studying rimegepant, for the treatment of Trigeminal Neuraligia (TN). If you are 18 years or older and suffer from TN, you may qualify. This is a […]
The National Institutes of Health provides explanations about trials and studies so that you can understand: The difference between clinical trials and studies The four phases of clinical trials Why […]
A large percentage of medical research gets delayed because researchers cannot get enough patients to participate in clinical trials. It is challenging for researchers to find participants who would qualify, […]
Can Hormones Affect Facial Pain? Some women experience a change in their facial pain at various points in their menstrual cycles, when taking or stopping hormonal methods of birth control, […]
New life for cancer drug that reprograms pain pathway to fight chronic pain Chronic pain associated with nerve injury and chronic bone pain from metastatic cancer are unmet medical needs. […]
Features Medical article: Teflon-free MVD Also included: MVD Patient Perspectives, Awareness Conversation Starters – YPC, YPC Member Q&A Click here to access Quarterly Journal Fall 2021.
Dr. Gary Stanton explains how acupuncture can help manage TN pain.
Dr. Michael Lim discusses the pros and cons of the various surgical options for treating TN.
Facial pain patient Candace Walkup shares her experience with managing facial pain while still checking items off her bucket list.
Facial pain patient Charity Harris shares her story about making a path for herself and adapting to life in a wheelchair.
Facial pain patient Anna Williams shares tips and advice for those interested in patient advocacy.
Facial pain patient Abby Scherr shares her experience with having TN, managing relationships, and finding the right treatment option for her.
Features Medical article: What makes a neurosurgeon an expert? Also included: Disability Issues in Chronic Facial Pain, Disability & Advocacy, Patient Perspective, Weather-Related Facial Pain, Conference Tips Click here to […]
I recently spoke with Jeff Bodington, FPA’s former Board Chairman, who first connected with FPA after being diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia. For six years, he was able to manage with […]
What is hemifacial spasm (HFS)? Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a condition characterized by painless twitching of the muscles on one side of the face. The contractions are involuntary and occur […]
Features Medical article: Medical Causes of Facial Pain Part II Also included: 2022 FPA Conference Recap, Medical Advisory Board Member Profile, Patient Perspective, 2022 YPC Scholarship Recipients, How to Save […]
Jeffrey A. Brown, MD, FACS, FAANS First, some basic requirements: there are a lot, but that is the point, too. Doctors educated in the United States are granted their MD […]
Kenneth Casey, MD, FACS There is good news on the horizon finally for folks with chronic pain. The International Classification of Diseases – 11 (ICD11) has listed a new code […]
Hossein Ansari, MD Director of Headache and Facial Pain Clinic at Kaizen Brain Center Facial pain can be due to a variety of medical conditions. The structure of the face […]
https://despitepain.com/ I was in my early twenties when I noticed a constant ache in my face. Doctors didn’t know what was causing it but didn’t investigate it either. At one […]
Stephanie BloughChair, Young Patients Committee The Young Patients Committee (YPC) assists in fulfilling the mission of FPA by representing the interests of neuropathic facial pain patients under the age of […]
John TempleVice Chairman, FPA Board of Directors What is a DAF? Donor-advised funds are 501(c)(3) charitable funds that aggregate charitable donations. Most national investing platforms such as Vanguard, Fidelity, and […]
In January, the Facial Pain Association held a two-day virtual conference bringing together the worldwide facial pain community for a full weekend of educational presentations by renowned experts in neurosurgery, […]
It is with great disappointment that I inform you that the Facial Pain Association’s CEO, Allison Feldman, will be leaving FPA and becoming CEO of the Lewy Body Dementia Association. The FPA Board is […]
Purpose: Our study fills the vacancy of litigation research related to trigeminal neuralgia management, giving health care providers the information needed to understand the potential litigious outcomes that follow treatment […]
In January, the Facial Pain Association held a two-day virtual conference bringing together the worldwide facial pain community for a full weekend of educational presentations by renowned experts in neurosurgery, […]
Features Medical article: Tic or Tac – Overlap between trigeminal neuralgia and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias Special Edition includes the 2021 Annual Report Click here to access Quarterly Journal Summer 2022.
A few months ago, I visited my dentist, who is familiar with neuropathic facial pain. Near the beginning of the appointment, she introduced a student who would be assisting. As […]
August 18, 2022 It is my great pleasure to announce that Melissa Baumbick will be joining the Facial Pain Association (FPA) as our new CEO. Melissa is passionate about nonprofit work […]
In January, the Facial Pain Association held a two-day virtual conference bringing together the worldwide facial pain community for a full weekend of educational presentations by renowned experts in neurosurgery, […]
In January, the Facial Pain Association held a two-day virtual conference bringing together the worldwide facial pain community for a full weekend of educational presentations by renowned experts in neurosurgery, […]
In January, the Facial Pain Association held a two-day virtual conference bringing together the worldwide facial pain community for a full weekend of educational presentations by renowned experts in neurosurgery, […]
Features Medical article: Improving Pain Care in America – It Starts With Access MAB Corner: Orofacial Pain Also included: Introducing FPA’s New CEO, Patient Perspective, Facial Pain Awareness Month, Volunteer […]
Dr. Jeffrey Brown, Dr. Wolfgang Liedtke, Dr. Michael Lim, Dr. Raymond Sekula, Jr., and Dr. Richard Zimmerman answer questions related to all kinds of neuropathic facial pain. Although the video […]
Anne Ciemnecki, Rosa Jimenez, and Heidi Wittgren share their self-care and mental health tips. Although the video is not live, we encourage you to comment and ask questions. Your participation […]
Presented by Terrie Cowley, President of the TMJ Association, and Christin Veasley, Director of TMJA’s Chronic Pain Research Alliance. Although the video is not live, we encourage you to comment […]
The Facial Pain Association is honored to join in the global generosity movement of GivingTuesday by giving back to YOU – the facial pain community. This Q&A webinar features a […]
Presented by Jonathan Greenberg, PhD, Research Staff Psychologist, Integrated Brain Health Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. Although the video is not live, we encourage […]
Shorter days and cooler weather often make this time of year difficult, especially for those with facial pain. Focusing on what we can do to help others can be an […]
The Young Patients Committee (YPC) assists in fulfilling the mission of FPA by representing the interests of neuropathic facial pain patients under the age of 40. In 2021, YPC launched […]
By Brenda C. Lovette MS, CCC-SLP, Doctoral Student and Speech Language Pathologist, and Jonathan Greenberg, PhD, Assistant Professor & Research Staff Psychologist Broadening Our Lens on Chronic Orofacial Pain Treatment […]
January 5, 2023: The Facial Pain Association’s Phone a Pain Pal Holiday Help Line has concluded after a three-week pilot program. The FPA would like to thank the 30+ generous […]
Presented by Leesa Scott-Morrow, PhD, JD, LP, Doctor of Clinical Psychology. Although the video is not live, we encourage you to comment and ask questions. Your participation and feedback will […]
We are grateful for everyone who supports our mission. When you give your time as a volunteer, use your voice to raise awareness, sponsor a fundraiser, or make a donation, […]
There are 300,000+ of us in the U.S. with trigeminal neuralgia and this past year approximately 15,000 more joined our group if the epidemiological estimates are correct. Add to these numbers […]
New beginnings often bring excitement, anticipation, and sometimes trepidation. As we begin our journey into 2023, I have to say I’m grateful to be part of the Facial Pain Association, […]
Presented by Raymond F. Sekula, Jr., MD and Joanna M. Zakrzewska, MD, FDSRCS, FFDRCSI, FFPMRCA, FHEA. Dr. Sekula is a Professor of Neurological Surgery at the Columbia University Department of […]
The Facial Pain Association is the largest patient organization supporting all people affected by neuropathic facial pain, leading the world in resources for information and healthcare guidance. Through educational programs, […]
Features Medical articles: A Multidisciplinary Team Effort to Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia with Percutaneous Balloon Compression; The Reality We Live With: Understanding the Challenges Confronted by People Living with Chronic Orofacial […]
Presented by Jeffrey A. Brown, MD, FACS, FAANS, Neurosurgery Director of the Cyberknife Program at NYU Langone Long Island. Although the video is not live, we encourage you to comment […]
Presented by Michael Lim, MD, Professor and Chairman of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. Although the video is not live, we encourage you to comment and ask questions. […]
Presented by Richard Zimmerman, MD, Professor of Neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic. Although the video is not live, we encourage you to comment and ask questions. Your participation and feedback will […]
Presented by Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD, Dean and Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. Although the video is not […]
Presented by Steven D. Chang, MD, Professor and Vice Chairman of Strategic Development and Innovation, Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. Although the video is not live, […]
Hello, my name is Stephanie Blough, and I am honored to share my experience with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and the successful surgery I had that has left me pain and […]
Features Medical articles: The NRF2 Network: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Trigeminal Neuralgia; What is Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia? Also included: 2023 FPA Virtual Conference Information, Introducing the FPA’s New Medical Advisory […]
Anne-Marie Clarke is a retired Family Court Judge. She loves to travel. She is grateful for the help she has found for dealing with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) through Facebook and […]
Friends, By now I hope you’ve heard about our upcoming virtual conference on April 28-29, 2023! This is a fantastic opportunity for support and education, providing valuable learning opportunities, connection with […]
From the FPA Young Patients Committee There is something particularly difficult about living with facial pain in the colder months. We encourage mindfulness and meditation as a practice throughout the […]
By Collin B. Kilgore, BS, Michael Lim, MD, Risheng Xu, MD, PhD Typical trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is thought to result from vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve, the principal sensory […]
By Jeffrey Brown, MD, FACS, FAANS Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia (GPN) was first described by the one of the first modern neurosurgeons, Walter Dandy, as “paroxysmal pain frequently brought on by eating […]
Each year, thousands of individuals experience facial pain for the first time, and many more continue to cope with this debilitating, poorly understood, and often inadequately treated condition. Recently, I […]
Raymond F. Sekula, Jr., MD, MBA Professor of Neurological Surgery Columbia University Department of Neurological Surgery – Each week, my team and I evaluate patients who have often traveled great […]
By Gary D. Klasser, DMD, Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at LSUHSC School of Dentistry / The mission statement of the Facial Pain Association (FPA) stipulates the purpose of this patient […]
Beth Darnall, PhDProfessor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain MedicineDirector of Stanford Pain Relief Innovations LabStanford University School of Medicine Patients have spoken. Thousands of people living with pain responded to […]
From the FPA Young Patients Committee The dating world, in general, can be a bit daunting for anyone. Putting yourself out there can be a vulnerable step and can even […]
Living with a rare disease like trigeminal neuralgia or any of the many facial neuralgias we all experience can be isolating. One thing that 2020 taught the world is the […]
Presented by Frederick Godley, MD, FACS, Otolaryngologist and President of the Association of Migraine Disorders. Although the video is not live, we encourage you to comment and ask questions. Your […]
GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. It gathers and provides access to the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate nonprofit information available. GuideStar’s mission is to […]
The Young Patients Committee (YPC) assists in fulfilling the mission of FPA by representing the interests of neuropathic facial pain patients under the age of 40. In 2021, YPC launched […]
The Young Patients Committee (YPC) assists in fulfilling the mission of FPA by representing the interests of neuropathic facial pain patients under the age of 40. In 2021, YPC launched […]
The FPA does not endorse any product, doctor, procedure, medical institution, or its staff.
The FPA does not endorse any product, doctor, procedure, medical institution, or its staff.
About eighty years ago, my grandmother heard the words trigeminal neuralgia for the first time. As a third-generation woman with facial pain, I intimately understand the daily struggle and long-term […]
Presented by Kristin Mulé, Founder of Integrative reLEAF, LLC. Although the video is not live, we encourage you to comment and ask questions. Your participation and feedback will help us gauge […]
About Us / About the Job The Facial Pain Association (FPA) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1990. Our mission is to serve those with neuropathic facial pain, […]
Features Special Edition Including the 2022 Annual Report Medical article: What are the Autonomic Effects of Trigeminal Nerve Injury? MAB Corner: Seeking a Second Opinion Also included: YPC Facial Pain […]
Presented by Larry Arbeitman, DC, Founder and Chiropractor at Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Monmouth. Although the video is not live, we encourage you to comment and ask questions. Your participation […]
By Jeffrey A. Brown, MD In 1908, a physiologist first described something called the “oculocardiac reflex” – push on your eyeball and your heart rate drops. As it turns out, […]
Dr. Julie Pilitsis, Vice President of Health Affairs and FAU Health Network and Dean of Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, is the North American Neuromodulation […]
By Kenneth F. Casey, MD So, your face hurts. And it has happened a couple of times. You consult Dr. Google and their colleagues to see what is going on, […]
Many companies will match employee donations which can double or even triple your impact. Ask your HR representative or use the site below to see if your employer participates. Matching Gift and […]
Wearing a shirt with a teal ribbon is a great way to start the conversation about facial pain – it can lead to opportunities to educate others, advocate for yourself, […]
This webinar features members of the FPA’s Medical Advisory Board who are also leaders in organizations that partner with the FPA to serve the facial pain community: Donald R. Nixdorf, […]
Presented by Raymond F. Sekula, Jr., MD, Director of the Trigeminal Neuralgia and Facial Pain Program and Professor of Neurological Surgery at The Neurological Institute at Columbia University and FPA […]
Features MAB Corner: The Facial Pain Patient Registry Medical Article: Columbia Neurosurgery’s Reflections on the Facial Pain Patient Journey and Treatment Options Also included: Patient Perspective – My Life with […]
Presented by Michael Brisman, MD, FACS, Attending Neurosurgeon at NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery and Co-Medical Director of the Long Island Gamma Knife Center at Mount Sinai South Nassau. Although […]
The MAB Corner – By Wolfgang Liedtke, MD, PhD Dear members of the Facial Pain Association, I’d like to give you my take on the FPA patient registry, which is in […]
Carol Bloom, FPA Peer Mentor and former Support Group Leader My name is Carol Bloom, and I am a peer mentor with the Facial Pain Association. I had my first […]
From the FPA Young Patients Committee When you are chronically ill and have something as painful and unique as facial pain, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and experience […]
Kenneth F. Casey, MD We doctors spend our days running around, seeing patients, looking things up (really, we do – all the time!) and filling out seemingly endless insurance forms, […]
When Lightning Strikes Most patients remember the day their pain began – it’s that bad. Many patients report that “it’s the worst pain you’ve ever imagined.” That statement is sobering […]
Presented by Meredith Barad, MD, Clinical Associate Professor in Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, and Neurology & Neurological Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine and Steven D. Chang, MD, […]
We are excited to announce that the Facial Pain Association is a Platinum member of the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. (NORD). Being a part of NORD’s membership network […]
Presented by Michael Lim, MD, Professor of Neurosurgery, Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, and FPA Medical Advisory Board Member. Although the video is […]
The holidays can be a joyous time filled with parties and family gatherings. Unfortunately, the holidays can also be a time of increased loneliness and isolation. This can be especially […]
I will never forget the first time I dialed Claire Patterson’s number back in 1990. She sat at her kitchen table, laying the foundation for an organization that would go […]
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School are conducting a study aiming to Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School are conducting a study aimed at understanding […]
Presented by Beth Darnall, PhD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Director of the Stanford Pain Relief Innovations Lab, and an FPA Medical Advisory Board Member. Although the video […]
You’re Not Alone. Call the Facial Pain Association: 800-923-3608 Email the Facial Pain Association: [email protected] Get support and information tailored to you by filling out a Custom Help Form: https://www.facepain.org/find-support/custom-help/ […]
This holiday season, as we pause to reflect on the lessons learned and the progress made this year, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. The […]
The Young Patients Committee (YPC) assists in fulfilling the mission of FPA by representing the interests of neuropathic facial pain patients under the age of 40. In 2021, YPC launched […]
The Young Patients Committee (YPC) assists in fulfilling the mission of FPA by representing the interests of neuropathic facial pain patients under the age of 40. In 2021, YPC launched […]
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the strength of the facial pain community. You offer one another […]
An Update on Medical Treatment of Facial Pain (Trigeminal Nerve Pain and Other Nerve/Craniofacial Pain Disorders) is presented by Wolfgang Liedtke, MD, PhD, Chair of Neurology, Psychiatry, Pain Medicine, and […]
UPDATE: October 23, 2024 Sprint for Women’s Health Announces Awardees, Featuring Project on Quantifying Neuropathic Pain The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has unveiled the awardees of the […]
We are a community because we share some very important things: We either share the experience of having this terrible pain or helping someone who does; we share the need […]
Every January, many people look forward to the new year with hopes and dreams, goals and objectives. The Facial Pain Association (FPA) is no different. We have spent the last […]
The FPA congratulates Dr. Liedtke on his election to the American Clinical and Climatological Association “Wow I’m in!” — it immediately hit me when I recently opened an e-mail from […]
Features MAB Corner: The FPA congratulates Dr. Liedtke on his election to the American Clinical and Climatological Association Medical Article: What is an Orofacial Pain Dentist? Also included: Click here […]
The Facial Pain Association (FPA) is the largest patient organization supporting all people affected by neuropathic facial pain, leading the world in resources for information and healthcare guidance. Through educational […]
My name is Christine Cohen, and I have trigeminal neuralgia, geniculate neuralgia, occipital neuralgia, Eagle’s Syndrome, and Arnold Chiari malformation. Each one of these medical conditions is considered rare. During […]
Decades ago, when I started my dental practice, I occasionally encountered perplexing patient pain issues. More than once I completed what I believed to be a successful root canal treatment, […]
When I chose to do a residency in neurosurgery, it had a well-deserved reputation for being a brutally intense experience. In a class of one hundred medical student graduates, on […]
Juan M. Hincapie-Castillo, PharmD, MS, PhD, an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, received a 5-year […]
Decision Making: Surgical and Ablative Procedures for Facial Pain is presented by Richard Zimmerman, MD, Professor of Neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic and an FPA Medical Advisory Board Member. Although the […]
Dr. Wolfgang Liedtke is an Executive with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (Tarrytown, NY) in Genetic Medicines in their Global Clinical Development Unit, and member of their Scientific Council where he is Chair of Neurology, […]
February 29, 2024 The Facial Pain Association (FPA) has co-signed a letter from the Alliance for Connected Care, urging Congress to extend telehealth access permanently. The FPA is committed to […]
Repeat MVDs is presented by Mark Linskey, MD, Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine and an FPA Medical Advisory Board Member. Although the […]
Brandi Underwood, Manager of Development, Research, and Advocacy, represented the Facial Pain Association at the 17th Annual Headache on the Hill by the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA) on […]
Features MAB Corner: How to Identify and Combat Medical Misinformation Medical Article: What You Need to Know About Using Medical Marijuana for Facial Pain Also included: Click here to access […]
By Jeffrey Fogel, MD, Member of the FPA Board of Directors Dr. Jeffrey Fogel is an FPA Board Member and pediatrician who was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in 2008 […]
Kenneth F. Casey, MD Have you heard that white potatoes are bad for you? Or that going out in the cold without a jacket will make you sick? Medical misinformation […]
Advocacy lies at the core of our mission. Through educational resources and volunteer support, the FPA empowers the facial pain community to advocate for themselves and one another. From using […]
Worrying about your next pain flare and how people may perceive you when experiencing facial pain is common in the facial pain community. Due to their nature, facial pain episodes […]
What’s on the Horizon: Pain Management, Neuromodulation, and New Drugs for TN is presented by Raymond F. Sekula, Jr., MD, and Christopher J. Winfree, MD. Although the video is not […]
Advocacy— it’s part of our mission at the Facial Pain Association, but what does it mean? Well, this year, it means a whole lot more. As a community, we have hit […]
Dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of neuropathic facial pain, the Facial Pain Association (FPA) provides non-financial support of research efforts, including letters of support, community survey data, patient […]
The Autonomic Effects of Trigeminal Nerve Injury is presented by Jeffrey Brown, MD. Now retired, Dr. Brown previously served as the Neurosurgery Director of the CyberKnife Program at NYU Langone […]
The Young Patients Committee (YPC) assists in fulfilling the mission of FPA by representing the interests of neuropathic facial pain patients under the age of 40. In 2021, YPC launched […]
The Young Patients Committee (YPC) assists in fulfilling the mission of FPA by representing the interests of neuropathic facial pain patients under the age of 40. In 2021, YPC launched […]
The Autonomic Effects of Trigeminal Nerve Injury is presented by Gary L. Stanton, MD, a neurologist at Emerson Health. Although the video is not live, we encourage you to comment […]
The Facial Pain Association (FPA) is the largest patient organization supporting all people affected by neuropathic facial pain, leading the world in resources for information and healthcare guidance. Through programs of […]
Features MAB Corner: Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain Patient Perspective: Deep Brain Stimulation Medical Article: Neuromodulation for Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain Sponsor Spotlight: Mayo Clinic From the YPC: Facial Pain Resiliency […]
The challenge for patients with facial pain is that diagnoses such as trigeminal neuralgia (TN), persistent idiopathic facial pain, type I/II TN are all clinical diagnoses. There are no blood […]
Mary Rice I was always active and healthy. I ran 5k races and loved taking photographs of the beach in my hometown of Ocean County, New Jersey. I pursued a […]
Pain is the body’s alarm system. It detects situations when the body is being harmed and signals that it is time to escape from danger or rest after an injury. […]
Sponsor Spotlight: Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic’s multidisciplinary team approach means people with facial pain receive care based on their individual needs. A team of specialists takes time to thoroughly examine […]
Advocacy 101: What is Advocacy and Why Does it Matter? is presented by Julienne Verdi, JD, Executive Director of the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA). Although the video is […]
Abstract In response to “Trigeminal neuralgia: drug therapy: The new German guideline”, a 17-year single center experience (Duke University Medical Center) with over 5000 treated patients is shared. Recommendations as […]
Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School and a Research Staff Psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, has received a 2-year Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21) award from […]
Although the video is not live, we encourage you to comment and ask questions. Your participation and feedback will help us gauge interest in a variety of topics to better […]
Noema Pharma is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the effect of basimglurant for the management of pain in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Is this clinical trial right for you? […]
October 1, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Facial Pain Association Releases Second Book to Support Neuropathic Facial Pain Community Suwanee, GA – The Facial Pain Association (FPA) is proud to announce […]
Patient advice: If you are experiencing an acute attack of pain symptoms, remember that narcotics usually will not work to relieve your pain. Furthermore, you may not be able to […]
Buildings and monuments around the world are lighting up teal to show support for those living with neuropathic facial pain. This is a rolling list that will continue to be […]
We are joining the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA) in thanking the nearly 175 advocates from 40 states who completed over 200 Congressional meetings on September 24 for Headache […]
Dr. Raymond Sekula gives a special presentation on “A Path for Pain Relief,” discussing the patient journey and treatment options, from medications to surgical procedures and more. Raymond F. Sekula […]
Features MAB Corner: Controlling Chronic Pain from the Outside Medical Article: Developing a Personalized Treatment Approach for Trigeminal Neuralgia Using Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Patient Perspective: Visiting the Emergency Room Sponsor […]
It is estimated that 150,000 people each year are diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) (Pilitsis, 2024). If you are one of those suffering from TN, also known as tic douloureux, […]
The FPA’s Video Series featuring presentations from the 2024 FPA Conference continues with Medications to Treat Facial Pain presented by Wolfgang Liedtke, MD, PhD. Dr. Liedtke is the Chair of […]
Jackie Galgey, a well-known children’s author and most recently a contestant on the game show Password, shares her journey of maintaining a successful career, traveling, and parenting while living with […]
Kenneth F. Casey, MD Medical Advisory Board Member For decades, technology has enabled medicine to evolve and change. In our lifetimes, we have seen breakthroughs in surgical devices used to […]
The FPA Video Series featuring presentations from the 2024 FPA Conference continues with Trauma and the Experience of Facial Pain presented by Leesa Scott-Morrow, PhD, JD, LP. Dr. Scott-Morrow is a […]
Ronald E. Warnick, MD Mayfield Brain & Spine New study led by Mayfield neurosurgeon outlines a pathway to pain relief and reduced medication use Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a non-invasive […]
By filling out the form below, you will receive a free FPA Patient Guide and periodic updates on the management and treatment of facial pain conditions. We do not share this information with any outside sources.
Sign up for our main newsletter
Connect on social
© 2002-2024 The Facial Pain Association, All rights reserved.
