Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

BPA in Lipsticks? Doctor Shares How Your Makeup Bag Could Be Full Of Endocrine Disruptors

Credits: Canva

For many, swiping a bold red or a soft pink might just be about putting on some makeup and heading out. But have you ever stopped to think about what else you are putting on your lips? Your favourite lipstick could be a silent killer, interfering with your hormones, cycles, and even fertility. And it all comes down to one banned ingredient, that is, Bisphenol A, or BPA. It is known as an endocrine disruptor that might be making its way into your makeup kit.

BPA has been around since the 1960s and is widely known for its use in plastic bottles, canned food linings, and even cosmetic containers. Though it was officially banned in makeup formulations in 2006, loopholes and lack of strict regulation mean some low-cost products still manage to include it either in their formula or packaging.

“Some cheap cosmetic products could be loaded with BPA,” warns Dr Vishal Gabale, an internal medicine specialist. “BPA is a powerful endocrine disruptor which is found in plastic packaging and unregulated cosmetics.”

How BPA Wreaks Hormonal Havoc

BPA behaves like an impostor. It mimics oestrogen and binds to the body’s oestrogen receptors, sending mixed signals to your hormonal system. “BPA mimics oestrogen; therefore, it binds to oestrogen receptors and confuses the hypothalamus and urinary system,” says Dr Gabale in a post shared on Instagram. “This shuts down the normal HPO axis, blocks ovulation, alters menstrual cycles and can even trigger symptoms like PCOS," he adds.

Yes, your favourite nude gloss or budget compact could be doing more than giving you a glow. It might be playing tricks on your body’s most delicate hormonal functions.

From Your Lips to Your Hormones: The Health Dangers of BPA

The problem is not just about your makeup routine. BPA exposure has been linked to a host of long-term health risks:

<ul><li>Hormonal Disruption: By mimicking oestrogen, BPA confuses your endocrine system, leading to imbalances that affect mood, metabolism, and reproduction.</li><li>Fertility Issues: BPA exposure has been shown to reduce fertility in both men and women.</li><li>Higher Cancer Risk: Hormone-dependent cancers, especially breast and prostate cancers, have been linked to elevated BPA levels.</li><li>Heart Health at Risk: Some studies have found a correlation between BPA exposure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.</li><li>Child Development Concerns: Pregnant women exposed to BPA may risk their baby’s behavioural and cognitive development.</li></ul>

BPA is Not Just in Food Packaging

BPA may be infamous for leaching into canned beans or plastic water bottles, but it also lurks in your beauty routine. Containers used for lipsticks, foundation tubes, and skincare jars may contain BPA, especially if they are made from certain plastics or exposed to heat during storage or travel.

Even if the product itself is free of BPA, storing it in containers that contain the chemical can allow BPA to seep in, especially when exposed to high temperatures.

How to Dodge BPA in Your Makeup Routine

<ul><li>Read the Label: Look for cosmetics clearly marked as BPA-free and paraben-free.</li><li>Avoid Plastic #7: This category often includes BPA. Steer clear of products packaged in these plastics.</li><li>Store Smart: Keep your cosmetics in cool, dry places. Heat can increase the rate at which BPA seeps into the formula.</li><li>Switch to Safer Packaging: Go for glass or stainless steel containers whenever possible.</li><li>Research Before You Buy: Eco-conscious labels openly advertise BPA-free packaging.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

BPA in lipsticks

endocrine disruptors

Bisphenol A

plastic bottles

oestrogen receptors

hypothalamus

menstrual cycles

PCOS

nude gloss

fertility issues

Does Your Mind Go Blank Mid-Conversation? Science Reveals The Truth ‘Blanking Out’

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Silent Walking: Mental Health Booster That Keeps You Fit

For many, swiping a bold red or a soft pink might just be about putting on some makeup and heading out. But have you ever stopped to think about what else you are putting on your lips? Your favourite lipstick could be a silent killer, interfering with your hormones, cycles, and even fertility. And it all comes down to one banned ingredient, that is, Bisphenol A, or BPA. It is known as an endocrine disruptor that might be making its way into your makeup kit.BPA has been around since the 1960s and is widely known for its use in plastic bottles, canned food linings, and even cosmetic containers. Though it was officially banned in makeup formulations in 2006, loopholes and lack of strict regulation mean some low-cost products still manage to include it either in their formula or packaging.“Some cheap cosmetic products could be loaded with BPA,” warns Dr Vishal Gabale, an internal medicine specialist. “BPA is a powerful endocrine disruptor which is found in plastic packaging and unregulated cosmetics.”How BPA Wreaks Hormonal HavocBPA behaves like an impostor. It mimics oestrogen and binds to the body’s oestrogen receptors, sending mixed signals to your hormonal system. “BPA mimics oestrogen; therefore, it binds to oestrogen receptors and confuses the hypothalamus and urinary system,” says Dr Gabale in a post shared on Instagram. “This shuts down the normal HPO axis, blocks ovulation, alters menstrual cycles and can even trigger symptoms like PCOS," he adds. Yes, your favourite nude gloss or budget compact could be doing more than giving you a glow. It might be playing tricks on your body’s most delicate hormonal functions.From Your Lips to Your Hormones: The Health Dangers of BPAThe problem is not just about your makeup routine. BPA exposure has been linked to a host of long-term health risks:Hormonal Disruption: By mimicking oestrogen, BPA confuses your endocrine system, leading to imbalances that affect mood, metabolism, and reproduction.Fertility Issues: BPA exposure has been shown to reduce fertility in both men and women.Higher Cancer Risk: Hormone-dependent cancers, especially breast and prostate cancers, have been linked to elevated BPA levels.Heart Health at Risk: Some studies have found a correlation between BPA exposure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Child Development Concerns: Pregnant women exposed to BPA may risk their baby’s behavioural and cognitive development.BPA is Not Just in Food PackagingBPA may be infamous for leaching into canned beans or plastic water bottles, but it also lurks in your beauty routine. Containers used for lipsticks, foundation tubes, and skincare jars may contain BPA, especially if they are made from certain plastics or exposed to heat during storage or travel.Even if the product itself is free of BPA, storing it in containers that contain the chemical can allow BPA to seep in, especially when exposed to high temperatures.How to Dodge BPA in Your Makeup RoutineRead the Label: Look for cosmetics clearly marked as BPA-free and paraben-free.Avoid Plastic #7: This category often includes BPA. Steer clear of products packaged in these plastics.Store Smart: Keep your cosmetics in cool, dry places. Heat can increase the rate at which BPA seeps into the formula.Switch to Safer Packaging: Go for glass or stainless steel containers whenever possible.Research Before You Buy: Eco-conscious labels openly advertise BPA-free packaging.

bpa in lipsticks? doctor shares how your makeup bag could be full of endocrine disruptors

Nutrition

How Naturopathy Uses Greens Like Brahmi and Moringa to Promote Detoxification and Gut Health

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5 Healthy Foods For Your Dental Health

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Poor Dental Health Could Be Linked To Chronic Health Condition

poor dental health could be linked to chronic health condition

Not Just A Migraine: Why Doctors Call Trigeminal Neuralgia The “Suicide Disease”

not just a migraine: why doctors call trigeminal neuralgia the “suicide disease”

If the thought of a dental visit sends your heart racing, you’re not alone. Most people avoid visits to a dentist, considering it to be raising their anxiety levels and creating a panic. This fear is known as dental anxiety and is more common than you might expect. Studies state that around 36 per cent of the population experience this fear, and around 12 per cent have extreme dental phobia. So we turned to an expert to know how sedation works and if it really helps anxious people overcome the fear.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Don’t worry, it’s not a one-size-fits-all knockout. “In sedation dentistry, medication is used to relax the patients during any sort of invasive dental procedure,” explains Dr Kalsi. “It doesn’t mean that the patient will be unconscious; rather, the sedation levels may vary in intensity. They range from being minimum to deep and sometimes even general anaesthesia," says Dr Harleen Gandhi Kalsi. 

\In her words, “In minimal sedation, the individual is fully awake but feels calm. Deeply sedated patient is on the edge of unconsciousness.”

There are several ways sedation can be delivered:

<ul><li>Nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas): “Mild sedation inhaled through a mask, keeping you calm but fully responsive.”</li><li>Oral sedation: “A pill (like diazepam) taken an hour before the appointment, causing drowsiness and reducing anxiety.”</li><li>IV sedation: “A sedative drug is administered through a vein, allowing deeper and more controlled relaxation.”</li></ul>

No More Gritting Your Teeth Through the Pain

Wondering what the upside is? “The biggest benefit is psychological — sedation helps calm your mind and body, reducing the fear associated with dental procedures,” says Dr Kalsi.

But there’s more. “Sedation works alongside local anaesthesia to ensure you feel no pain during treatment, which reassures nervous patients.” You might even come out feeling like time flew. “Though the procedure may have taken hours, individuals feel it lasted for just a few minutes,” she points out.

If your body has a mind of its own in the chair, sedation can help with that too. “For patients who struggle with a strong gag reflex or the inability to sit still, sedation dentistry assists in making it a comfortable experience for the dentist as well as the patient,” Dr Kalsi says.

You might also not need to make as many dreaded trips. “Complex procedures can often be completed in one long sitting instead of multiple short visits, reducing the frequency of dental trips,” she adds.

A totally fair question. Dr Kalsi reassures, “If sedation is infused by a trained professional, sedation dentistry is safe.” She explains, “After reviewing your medical history, current drug usage and monitoring vitals, your dentist takes the final decision.”

sedation dentistry

dental anxiety

nitrous  oxide

oral sedation

iv sedation

pain free treatment

dental phobia

gag reflex

anxiety relief

dental procedures

If the thought of a dental visit sends your heart racing, you’re not alone. Most people avoid visits to a dentist, considering it to be raising their anxiety levels and creating a panic. This fear is known as dental anxiety and is more common than you might expect. Studies state that around 36 per cent of the population experience this fear, and around 12 per cent have extreme dental phobia. So we turned to an expert to know how sedation works and if it really helps anxious people overcome the fear. What Is Sedation Dentistry?Don’t worry, it’s not a one-size-fits-all knockout. “In sedation dentistry, medication is used to relax the patients during any sort of invasive dental procedure,” explains Dr Kalsi. “It doesn’t mean that the patient will be unconscious; rather, the sedation levels may vary in intensity. They range from being minimum to deep and sometimes even general anaesthesia," says Dr Harleen Gandhi Kalsi. \In her words, “In minimal sedation, the individual is fully awake but feels calm. Deeply sedated patient is on the edge of unconsciousness.”There are several ways sedation can be delivered:Nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas): “Mild sedation inhaled through a mask, keeping you calm but fully responsive.”Oral sedation: “A pill (like diazepam) taken an hour before the appointment, causing drowsiness and reducing anxiety.”IV sedation: “A sedative drug is administered through a vein, allowing deeper and more controlled relaxation.”No More Gritting Your Teeth Through the PainWondering what the upside is? “The biggest benefit is psychological — sedation helps calm your mind and body, reducing the fear associated with dental procedures,” says Dr Kalsi.But there’s more. “Sedation works alongside local anaesthesia to ensure you feel no pain during treatment, which reassures nervous patients.” You might even come out feeling like time flew. “Though the procedure may have taken hours, individuals feel it lasted for just a few minutes,” she points out.If your body has a mind of its own in the chair, sedation can help with that too. “For patients who struggle with a strong gag reflex or the inability to sit still, sedation dentistry assists in making it a comfortable experience for the dentist as well as the patient,” Dr Kalsi says.You might also not need to make as many dreaded trips. “Complex procedures can often be completed in one long sitting instead of multiple short visits, reducing the frequency of dental trips,” she adds.Is It Safe?A totally fair question. Dr Kalsi reassures, “If sedation is infused by a trained professional, sedation dentistry is safe.” She explains, “After reviewing your medical history, current drug usage and monitoring vitals, your dentist takes the final decision.”

how sedation helps people feel less nervous at the dentist

Tanya Dutt

Does Your Mind Go Blank Mid-Conversation? Here's The Truth About 'Blanking Out'

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UK Scientists Scan Over 100,000 People, What The Human Imaging Study Could Reveal About Your Health?

uk scientists scan over 100,000 people, what the human imaging study could reveal about your health?

It’s happened to most of us—one second you’re knee-deep in work, driving down a familiar road, or folding laundry, and the next, your brain seems to hit pause. You’re left with no memory of the past few seconds or even minutes. What were you thinking about? Nothing. Literally nothing. It’s not distraction, and it’s not daydreaming. It’s something else.

Scientists call this phenomenon mind blanking, and according to a new study published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, it's not just a casual glitch. It's a real and distinct state of consciousness—one that may help us better understand how the human brain works, and what happens when it suddenly goes quiet.

A team of researchers from Belgium, France, and Australia reviewed over 80 existing studies and added their own data, exploring brain activity during these “blank” states. What they found challenges the idea that we’re always actively thinking or feeling—even when we’re awake.

“Mind blanking is not the same as mind wandering,” said lead researcher Thomas Andrillon. “In blanking, there’s an actual absence of reportable mental content. The lights are on, but no one’s home—so to speak.”

People in the study reported feeling as if their mind had emptied, like a thought vacuum. They weren’t imagining something, daydreaming, or distracted. They were simply… blank. And for the first time, science is catching up to what that really means.

<h2>How Often Does Mind Blanking Happen?</h2>

The researchers estimate that mind blanking can account for 5 to 20 percent of our waking life. That’s not a small number. And like most mental phenomena, it’s highly individual.

People with ADHD report more frequent blanking episodes, as do those with certain neurological or psychiatric conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, anxiety, and rare disorders like Kleine-Levin syndrome. Others experience it occasionally—typically after sustained mental effort, sleep deprivation, or intense physical activity.

In other words, when the brain is either overstimulated or exhausted, it sometimes takes a momentary break, whether we ask it to or not.

This isn’t just about self-reports or journal entries. Researchers used tools like EEG (electroencephalography) and fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) to analyze what happens in the brain during these episodes.

EEG data revealed a fascinating clue, during mind blanking, parts of the brain show activity similar to what we see during local sleep—a phenomenon where only certain regions of the brain enter a sleep-like state, even while a person remains awake. The signs? Slower brain waves, reduced signal complexity, decreased heart rate, and even smaller pupil size. All of these are biological signatures of the brain checking out, even temporarily.

Meanwhile, in fMRI scans, people who were instructed to "think of nothing" showed reduced activity in major areas of the brain, including Broca’s area (linked to speech and thought), the hippocampus (linked to memory), and the supplementary motor area. It suggests that the “blank” state may involve a coordinated, large-scale dampening of neural activity.

But researchers caution: deliberately trying to think of nothing isn’t quite the same as the spontaneous blanking that happens mid-task or mid-thought. That’s one of the nuances they hope future research will untangle.

<h2>Mind Blanking vs. Mind Wandering: How to Spot the Difference?</h2>

The study makes a point to distinguish between mind blanking and mind wandering. The latter is when your thoughts drift to unrelated things—a dinner plan, a past memory, a mental to-do list. The former, however, is a mental void.

Mind wandering is filled with uninvited content. Mind blanking is an empty room. “This is a distinct state of consciousness,” said co-author Jennifer Windt. “It’s as direct and intimate an experience as bearing thoughts—except here, there are none.”

Understanding that difference is critical, especially when it comes to diagnosing neurological conditions, evaluating attention disorders, or designing cognitive therapies.

<h2>Why Some People Blank-Out More Than Others?</h2>

Why do some people’s minds go blank more often than others? Genetics, brain structure, stress levels, and even personality may play a role, though this area of research is still in its infancy.

What we do know is that blanking tends to occur at the edges of arousal—when your brain is either highly activated (like during a test) or barely engaged (like while commuting). Both extremes can temporarily disconnect your conscious awareness from active processing, creating a fleeting but real “blank” space in the mind.

<h2>Could This Be Dangerous or Useful?</h2>

Mind blanking can be disorienting, especially if it happens while driving, cooking, or performing tasks that require awareness. However, most instances are harmless.

What’s less understood is whether frequent blanking is a sign of something deeper—like cognitive overload or neurological decline. Some researchers are exploring whether excessive blanking could one day serve as an early marker for conditions like dementia or chronic fatigue.

Others see potential in studying blanking for mental health interventions. Could we harness that “empty” state therapeutically? Could guided mind blanking calm an overactive brain the way meditation does? These are the questions that researchers like Demertzi and Andrillon want to explore next.

Mind blanking is still a gray zone in cognitive neuroscience. There’s no consensus on how it works, how to measure it reliably, or whether it's a single state or several different experiences bundled together.

But what this new study does offer is validation: if your mind goes blank sometimes, you're not broken. Your brain might just be doing its thing—resting, resetting, or recalibrating.

“We believe this line of inquiry is both timely and necessary,” said Andrillon. “There’s still so much we don’t know about consciousness. But by looking at what happens when thoughts vanish, we might get closer to understanding what it means to have them at all.”

That fleeting blank moment isn’t just mental static—it’s part of the complex dance of consciousness. While it might feel like your brain has briefly stopped working, research is beginning to show that these pauses are neither random nor empty. They could, in fact, be telling us more about the brain’s inner rhythms than we ever imagined.

mind blanking

brain scan study

neuroscience attention

brain activity lapse

cognitive shutdown

mental fog causes

brain research findings

World Brain day

It’s happened to most of us—one second you’re knee-deep in work, driving down a familiar road, or folding laundry, and the next, your brain seems to hit pause. You’re left with no memory of the past few seconds or even minutes. What were you thinking about? Nothing. Literally nothing. It’s not distraction, and it’s not daydreaming. It’s something else.Scientists call this phenomenon mind blanking, and according to a new study published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, it's not just a casual glitch. It's a real and distinct state of consciousness—one that may help us better understand how the human brain works, and what happens when it suddenly goes quiet.A team of researchers from Belgium, France, and Australia reviewed over 80 existing studies and added their own data, exploring brain activity during these “blank” states. What they found challenges the idea that we’re always actively thinking or feeling—even when we’re awake.“Mind blanking is not the same as mind wandering,” said lead researcher Thomas Andrillon. “In blanking, there’s an actual absence of reportable mental content. The lights are on, but no one’s home—so to speak.”People in the study reported feeling as if their mind had emptied, like a thought vacuum. They weren’t imagining something, daydreaming, or distracted. They were simply… blank. And for the first time, science is catching up to what that really means.How Often Does Mind Blanking Happen?The researchers estimate that mind blanking can account for 5 to 20 percent of our waking life. That’s not a small number. And like most mental phenomena, it’s highly individual.People with ADHD report more frequent blanking episodes, as do those with certain neurological or psychiatric conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, anxiety, and rare disorders like Kleine-Levin syndrome. Others experience it occasionally—typically after sustained mental effort, sleep deprivation, or intense physical activity.In other words, when the brain is either overstimulated or exhausted, it sometimes takes a momentary break, whether we ask it to or not.This isn’t just about self-reports or journal entries. Researchers used tools like EEG (electroencephalography) and fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) to analyze what happens in the brain during these episodes.EEG data revealed a fascinating clue, during mind blanking, parts of the brain show activity similar to what we see during local sleep—a phenomenon where only certain regions of the brain enter a sleep-like state, even while a person remains awake. The signs? Slower brain waves, reduced signal complexity, decreased heart rate, and even smaller pupil size. All of these are biological signatures of the brain checking out, even temporarily.Meanwhile, in fMRI scans, people who were instructed to "think of nothing" showed reduced activity in major areas of the brain, including Broca’s area (linked to speech and thought), the hippocampus (linked to memory), and the supplementary motor area. It suggests that the “blank” state may involve a coordinated, large-scale dampening of neural activity.But researchers caution: deliberately trying to think of nothing isn’t quite the same as the spontaneous blanking that happens mid-task or mid-thought. That’s one of the nuances they hope future research will untangle.Mind Blanking vs. Mind Wandering: How to Spot the Difference?The study makes a point to distinguish between mind blanking and mind wandering. The latter is when your thoughts drift to unrelated things—a dinner plan, a past memory, a mental to-do list. The former, however, is a mental void.Mind wandering is filled with uninvited content. Mind blanking is an empty room. “This is a distinct state of consciousness,” said co-author Jennifer Windt. “It’s as direct and intimate an experience as bearing thoughts—except here, there are none.”Understanding that difference is critical, especially when it comes to diagnosing neurological conditions, evaluating attention disorders, or designing cognitive therapies.Why Some People Blank-Out More Than Others?Why do some people’s minds go blank more often than others? Genetics, brain structure, stress levels, and even personality may play a role, though this area of research is still in its infancy.What we do know is that blanking tends to occur at the edges of arousal—when your brain is either highly activated (like during a test) or barely engaged (like while commuting). Both extremes can temporarily disconnect your conscious awareness from active processing, creating a fleeting but real “blank” space in the mind.Could This Be Dangerous or Useful?Mind blanking can be disorienting, especially if it happens while driving, cooking, or performing tasks that require awareness. However, most instances are harmless.What’s less understood is whether frequent blanking is a sign of something deeper—like cognitive overload or neurological decline. Some researchers are exploring whether excessive blanking could one day serve as an early marker for conditions like dementia or chronic fatigue.Others see potential in studying blanking for mental health interventions. Could we harness that “empty” state therapeutically? Could guided mind blanking calm an overactive brain the way meditation does? These are the questions that researchers like Demertzi and Andrillon want to explore next.Mind blanking is still a gray zone in cognitive neuroscience. There’s no consensus on how it works, how to measure it reliably, or whether it's a single state or several different experiences bundled together.But what this new study does offer is validation: if your mind goes blank sometimes, you're not broken. Your brain might just be doing its thing—resting, resetting, or recalibrating.“We believe this line of inquiry is both timely and necessary,” said Andrillon. “There’s still so much we don’t know about consciousness. But by looking at what happens when thoughts vanish, we might get closer to understanding what it means to have them at all.”That fleeting blank moment isn’t just mental static—it’s part of the complex dance of consciousness. While it might feel like your brain has briefly stopped working, research is beginning to show that these pauses are neither random nor empty. They could, in fact, be telling us more about the brain’s inner rhythms than we ever imagined.

does your mind go blank mid-conversation? science reveals the truth ‘blanking out’

Over-the-Counter Vitamin B6 Linked To Nerve Damage: Hundreds Join Class Action In Australia

over-the-counter vitamin b6 linked to nerve damage: hundreds join class action in australia

A Common Medication That Leaves You Trapped 'In Your Own Half-Alive Corpse' Condition

a common medication that leaves you trapped 'in your own half-alive corpse' condition

Your Ethnicity May Be Putting You At Higher Risk For This Major Nerve Disorder

your ethnicity may be putting you at higher risk for this major nerve disorder

Diagnostic Anomaly: Rare Condition Turned Man’s Penis 'Rock Hard' Into Bone

diagnostic anomaly: rare condition turned man’s penis 'rock hard' into bone

When pain strikes your face like a bolt of lightning, it's not just a headache or a dental issue. It could be Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), a condition so excruciating that it has been dubbed the “suicide disease”. Experts say it’s worse than a migraine, and sadly, most people don’t even know it exists until it hits them.

Dr. Namrata Dabas, HOD and Consultant, Pain and Palliative Care at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, explains that the trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve, carrying pain sensations from the face to the brain. “When it gets compressed or irritated, intense, electric shock-like pain is experienced by individuals, often on one side of their face,” she says. This kind of pain isn’t just bad; it’s chronic, and the triggers are disturbingly everyday: “eating, drinking, washing the face, or even a light breeze”.

Dr. Aparna Gupta, Associate Director of Neurology at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, calls this condition “nerve pain of the fifth nerve”, adding that “the pain in this condition is extremely severe and excruciating, mainly in the half of the face.” It’s not just the intensity but the unpredictability: “The pain can be episodic, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes, or it can be chronic… in a waxing, waning manner or at times, it may spike at intervals.”

While TN has several possible causes, Dr. Dabas says that it’s “mostly caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve by a nearby blood vessel loop.” Other times, it may follow a herpes zoster infection or result from a tumour pressing against the nerve. Still, she says, “TN is considered to be idiopathic, which means that no definite cause can be identified behind it in most situations.” Women and people over 50 are more likely to suffer from it.

Dr. Gupta agrees, adding that in some cases, “we found blood vessels which are surrounding the nerve, just destroying its sheath and causing the pain.” She also lists other causes like “a tumour compressing the nerve or a demyelinating condition called MS”.

It’s not just the pain; it’s how common daily actions can bring it on. Dr. Gupta points out that activities like “smiling, chewing or brushing or eating very hot or cold food like ice cream or hot coffees… all aggravate the pain.” The randomness and relentlessness of the condition can take a huge toll on mental health.

“An MRI is used to detect the underlying problem,” says Dr. Dabas. If a tumour or blood vessel compression is spotted, surgery is an option. Initially, doctors often start with neuropathic medications, but these can “cause side effects or stop working over time.” In those cases, she recommends a minimally invasive procedure: radiofrequency ablation of the trigeminal ganglion. “Performed under local anaesthesia, it uses radiofrequency ablation to burn a part of the trigeminal ganglion in a controlled manner,” she says. The relief is often immediate.

Dr. Gupta also lists treatments ranging from “anti-seizure medication” to “a nerve block or a local Botox in the region where the pain occurs”. In cases where a blood vessel is the culprit, “a microdiscectomy is done.” And when it’s due to MS or a tumour, “it requires the primary treatment”.

trigeminal neuralgia

facial pain

nerve compression

electric shock pain

suicide disease

chronic pain

neuropathic treatment

radiofrequency ablation

microdiscectomy

nerve disorder

When pain strikes your face like a bolt of lightning, it's not just a headache or a dental issue. It could be Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), a condition so excruciating that it has been dubbed the “suicide disease”. Experts say it’s worse than a migraine, and sadly, most people don’t even know it exists until it hits them.What makes this pain so cruel?Dr. Namrata Dabas, HOD and Consultant, Pain and Palliative Care at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, explains that the trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve, carrying pain sensations from the face to the brain. “When it gets compressed or irritated, intense, electric shock-like pain is experienced by individuals, often on one side of their face,” she says. This kind of pain isn’t just bad; it’s chronic, and the triggers are disturbingly everyday: “eating, drinking, washing the face, or even a light breeze”.Dr. Aparna Gupta, Associate Director of Neurology at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, calls this condition “nerve pain of the fifth nerve”, adding that “the pain in this condition is extremely severe and excruciating, mainly in the half of the face.” It’s not just the intensity but the unpredictability: “The pain can be episodic, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes, or it can be chronic… in a waxing, waning manner or at times, it may spike at intervals.”But what causes it?While TN has several possible causes, Dr. Dabas says that it’s “mostly caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve by a nearby blood vessel loop.” Other times, it may follow a herpes zoster infection or result from a tumour pressing against the nerve. Still, she says, “TN is considered to be idiopathic, which means that no definite cause can be identified behind it in most situations.” Women and people over 50 are more likely to suffer from it.Dr. Gupta agrees, adding that in some cases, “we found blood vessels which are surrounding the nerve, just destroying its sheath and causing the pain.” She also lists other causes like “a tumour compressing the nerve or a demyelinating condition called MS”.When a smile or a sip can set it offIt’s not just the pain; it’s how common daily actions can bring it on. Dr. Gupta points out that activities like “smiling, chewing or brushing or eating very hot or cold food like ice cream or hot coffees… all aggravate the pain.” The randomness and relentlessness of the condition can take a huge toll on mental health.Managing the unmanageable“An MRI is used to detect the underlying problem,” says Dr. Dabas. If a tumour or blood vessel compression is spotted, surgery is an option. Initially, doctors often start with neuropathic medications, but these can “cause side effects or stop working over time.” In those cases, she recommends a minimally invasive procedure: radiofrequency ablation of the trigeminal ganglion. “Performed under local anaesthesia, it uses radiofrequency ablation to burn a part of the trigeminal ganglion in a controlled manner,” she says. The relief is often immediate. Dr. Gupta also lists treatments ranging from “anti-seizure medication” to “a nerve block or a local Botox in the region where the pain occurs”. In cases where a blood vessel is the culprit, “a microdiscectomy is done.” And when it’s due to MS or a tumour, “it requires the primary treatment”.

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