I believe the title to the press release is perfect to get people to open the e-mail. I really hope we get some response. Here is the link and also the press release
http://www.tnnme.com/tn-press-release.html
Trigeminal Neuralgia
We are asking the World Health Organization to take action on Trigeminal Neuralgia (aka "Suicide Disease") & Facial Pain Disorders by adding Trigeminal Neuralgia to their “Health Topic List"
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a chronic severe pain condition that affects the trigeminal or fifth cranial nerve. Several theories exist to explain the possible causes of this pain syndrome. It was once believed that the nerve was compressed in the opening from the inside to the outside of the skull; but newer leading research indicates that it is an enlarged blood vessel - possibly the superior cerebellar artery - compressing or throbbing against the microvasculature of the trigeminal nerve. Such a compression can injure the nerve's protective myelin sheath and cause erratic and hyperactive functioning of the nerve. It causes extreme, sporadic, sudden burning or shock-like shooting pain in the eye, lips, nose, scalp, forehead, cheek or jaw that lasts anywhere from a few seconds to as long as two minutes per episode. These attacks can occur in quick succession. The intense flashes of pain can be triggered by vibration or contact with the cheek i.e. shaving, washing the face, applying makeup, brushing teeth, eating, drinking, talking, or being exposed to the wind. Trigeminal Neuralgia is considered one of the most painful conditions known to man. Trigeminal neuralgia is a long-term condition - a chronic condition - which usually progress over time. Trigeminal Neuralgia in many cases is resistant to the best available therapies, and tragically linked to depression, fear, fatigue and suicide. Many people go undiagnosed for years.
It is estimated that 1 in 15,000 or 20,000 people suffer from Trigeminal Neuralgia, although the actual figure may be significantly higher due to frequent misdiagnosis.
It is thought to affect about four million people worldwide.
The on-line group TNNME (Trigeminal Neuralgia and Me) is pushing across international borders to bring more awareness to the disease.
TNNME is asking the World Health Organization (WHO) to add Trigeminal Neuralgia to their “Health Topic List"
By WHO adding TN to their list of illnesses, it will help to expand awareness, allow for access to resources and create opportunities for funding & research.
We are anticipating that WHO will agree to put Trigeminal Neuralgia disease on their Health Topics List and consider making October 7th 2013 International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day official. Trigeminal Neuralgia Ribbons have been manufactured and are currently for sale at http://www.tnnme.com/tn-awareness-day-ribbon.html. Profits from the ribbons are to be donated to The Facial Pain Research Foundation’s research efforts for a cure of the world's most excruciating pain and to The Facial Pain Association’s awareness efforts.
This will benefit and save the lives of those that suffer with Trigeminal Neuralgia and Facial Pain Disorders.
For more information about this topic, email to tnawareness@gmail.com
