Also Read
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Despite being one of Bollywood's most adored stars, Salman Khan has endured battles that were far from the public eye. In an interview, Salman revealed a deeply personal struggle, his long, painful journey with Trigeminal Neuralgia, a rare and debilitating nerve disorder often referred to as the "suicidal disease."
The heart-to-heart talk of Salman allowed the listeners to peep at the pain he endured with his quietness during the period of more than seven and a half years. "You wouldn't want your biggest dushman to have that pain," he admitted, describing the excruciating intensity of the condition.
Salman remembered that even regular, mundane matters were mountainous. "It used to take me an hour and a half just to have my breakfast I used to go straight to dinner," he shared. Even high doses of 750 mg of painkillers were not much of help. Over the years, physicians have been hard-pressed to determine the cause, and at first, the cause was thought to be dental. Only after Salman referred to the fact that a drink or two alleviated the pain did they notice that it was a nerve disorder of some sort.
Also Read
Also Read
Also Read
Trigeminal neuralgia is a persistent pain disorder of the trigeminal nerve, which is the conductor of face sensations to the brain. The smallest touch or wind or mouth brushing or even chewing a tooth may cause a sudden, severe, blasting kind of pain that is electric-like. The extremely painful condition usually hits with a stabbing or burning feeling, and its duration may take from several seconds to several minutes. The severity and random nature of the pain have seen it be labelled the 'suicidal disease' due to the debilitating nature of the pain content to the victims.
Trigeminal neuralgia showed its first symptoms as I was having a fun time at the Partner set. There was Lara Dutta, and a hair strand flew on his face. I told her, 'Wah yaar Lara, electrifying,' and that's when it started. I was in so much pain, I couldn't speak," Salman recalled.
Salman had been alongside years of torment and Gamma Knife Surgery, which is a medical procedure that is highly technical and non-invasive. In the beginning, doctors also told him that the surgery could alleviate pain by 20-30 per cent only. Much to his surprise, the pain had disappeared entirely after the surgery.
Even in the present day, Salman still deals with other health issues, such as an aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation, yet his modus operandi is grounded and more practical. "A lot of people live with heart conditions, with bypass surgeries so it's okay," he said, reflecting his resilient attitude toward life.
In telling his story about his battle to find a cure for trigeminal neuralgia, Salman hopes to provide more information and get people to be honest about their own fight to conquer the disease. "A lot of people have it. It's now easily treatable," he explained. There is honesty in him, and he acts as a reminder to the reader that the mightiest of us have a struggle we cannot see and that we can be of assistance.
It is often referred to as the “suicidal disease” due to its unbearable pain.
He silently battled the condition for over seven years.
It caused extreme facial pain, making even eating and speaking difficult.
Salman Khan revealed he battled trigeminal neuralgia, a rare nerve disorder.