Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

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

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

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 <span>mind blanking</span>, 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.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

mind blanking

brain scan study

neuroscience attention

brain activity lapse

cognitive shutdown

mental fog causes

brain research findings

World Brain day

10 Minute Warm-Up Yoga Poses That You Should Do Every Morning

Amid Intensified Midsummer Heatwave In US, Here’s How To Keep Heat Exhaustion And Stroke At Bay

The Quiet Anxiety in High Achievers and Why Success Does Not Silence FOMO

Health & Wellness

Easy Breakfast Options To Try During Calorie Deficit

How To Stop Muscle Cramps Immediately

Why You Should Go For An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Foods To Lower Cortisol Levels In Your Body

High-Fiber Dips You Can Make At Home For The Week

Weekend Warrior Exercises To Makeup For Stressful Week

Experiencing Headaches At Word? Natural Remedies To Try

Yoga Poses That Enhance Digestion

Health Benefits of Walking Backwards

No Eggs? Egg-Alternatives You Can Add To Your Diet

Savory And Smart Ways To Add Broccoli To Your Diet

Calorie Burning Habits That Can Help You Shed Extra Pounds

Yoga Poses That Can Help With Bloating

Fiber-Rich Oatmeal Dishes You Can Have For Breakfast

Signs You Must Visit A Doctor For Your Back Pain

Avocado Meal Prep Ideas To Increase Healthy Fat In Your Diet

Arm Exercises You Can Do At Home

Quick-Office Lunches That Can Keep You Full-Longer

How Increased Screen Time Affects Children's Health

Homemade Recipe To Make Protein-Rich Pancakes With Healthy Alternatives

Push-Up Variations You Can Do At Home

Common Mistakes Running Mistakes People Make

Low-Calorie Foods That Keep You Full For Long

Yoga Poses That Help You Get Rid Of Back Pain

Natural Ways To Increase Protein In Your Diet

Managing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – Tips To Try

How Much Protein Is Too Much?

High Fiber Indian Foods You Should Try

10 Easy Ways To Boost Daily Fiber Intake

Adding Walnut Oil To Your Diet? Benefits You Should Know

Drinks That Soothe Headaches And Migraines

Waist Exercises For More Toned Belly

This Is How Stress Affects Your Heart

Does Digital ‘Brain Rot’ Really Affect Your Health?

Dishes With Fermented Foods To Eat For Your Gut Health

Yoga Poses That Stimulate Good Bowel Health

Weekend Warrior Exercises For Full Body Movement

Weekend Meal Prep Ideas That Will Last You A Weekend

Easy Homemade Healthy Dishes For Long Afternoons

Silent Walking: Mental Health Booster That Keeps You Fit

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’

Supriya Ramesh

Credits: Canva

Don't Let The Smiling 'Fit' Selfies On Social Media Fool You, Here's What Eating Disorders Can Look Like

eating disorders

The Overlooked Role of Men in IVF: Why Their Silent Strength Is Key to Fertility Success

the overlooked role of men in ivf: why their silent strength is key to fertility success

Rage Recedes After 50 In Women But Suppressed Anger Could Be Harming Your Health, Here's How

rage recedes after 50 in women but suppressed anger could be harming your health, here's how

<span>High performers</span> are typically seen as the gold standard of confidence, clarity, and control. They are the ones with packed schedules, flooded inboxes, and achievements that look impressive on paper. Yet, behind this polished exterior lies a quiet undercurrent of anxiety, a sense that despite all their success, they’re somehow falling behind.

This isn’t your usual fear of missing out on parties or holidays. Pritika Singh, a <span>mental health</span> expert, explains that this is a more internalised form of FOMO, driven by self-comparison. It’s not about others having more fun; it’s about thinking, “Maybe I should’ve done things differently, moved faster, started earlier.” These thoughts tend to creep in during long commutes, late nights, or while scrolling through yet another announcement of someone else’s achievement.

In the world of high performance, such feelings rarely find a voice. Singh observes that the conversations in these circles stay surface-level—productivity, KPIs, market trends. But beneath it all is an emotional toll: the weight of constant <span>ambition</span>, the pressure to do better, and the fear that someone else is inching ahead. And it’s not about craving praise either. Most of these professionals stopped chasing external validation long ago. What rattles them is the subtle sense of sta when growth feels slow and someone else’s story feels shinier.

Why is this happening? Singh points to the nature of the environment these individuals work in. When excellence is expected, achievements that once thrilled now feel ordinary. An idea that was groundbreaking five years ago may now seem outdated. Constant exposure to others’ polished highlight reels can skew one’s perspective, leaving even top-tier professionals feeling behind.

The high-functioning brain is always buzzing with “What more could I have done?” Left unchecked, this becomes more draining than motivating. Ms Singh notes how this mental churn can blur decision-making. Success doesn’t feel like success. Taking a break feels like laziness. And even milestones are accompanied by a haunting urgency to get to the next one.

There’s also the cultural expectation that leaders must always be strong, focused, and future-oriented. As Singh puts it, the higher someone climbs, the fewer spaces they find to express vulnerability. And as everyone else’s life appears increasingly curated and perfect, the loneliness grows. The internal struggle becomes more isolated, more silent.

According to Singh, what helps is clarity, not the kind that fills spreadsheets or timelines, but the one that comes from knowing your personal direction. Without this, even ambitious pursuits can feel empty. It’s important to filter what truly deserves your attention. Every achievement that pops up on your feed is not your missed opportunity. “Momentum, when borrowed, rarely lasts,” she warns. That buzz of external inspiration often leads people away from what really matters.

Instead of reacting constantly, Singh recommends carving out time for honest reflection. Ironically, some of the best leadership decisions happen in the quiet seasons. It’s not always about doing more, she says. Sometimes, it’s about doing what’s right with intention.

This silent form of FOMO is widespread but rarely acknowledged. High performers are often expected to have it all figured out. But Singh warns that when the pressure builds from within slowly, subtly, and without expression, it chips away at the very edge that made them excel in the first place.

It’s not about whether someone else is racing ahead. Singh closes with a powerful reminder: “The better question is whether the current direction still feels right.” Because when it does, the outside noise starts to fade.

high performers

silent fomo

ambition

mental health

burnout

internal comparison

leadership pressure

success anxiety

productivity culture

emotional exhaustion

High performers are typically seen as the gold standard of confidence, clarity, and control. They are the ones with packed schedules, flooded inboxes, and achievements that look impressive on paper. Yet, behind this polished exterior lies a quiet undercurrent of anxiety, a sense that despite all their success, they’re somehow falling behind.FOMO, But Not the One You ThinkThis isn’t your usual fear of missing out on parties or holidays. Pritika Singh, a mental health expert, explains that this is a more internalised form of FOMO, driven by self-comparison. It’s not about others having more fun; it’s about thinking, “Maybe I should’ve done things differently, moved faster, started earlier.” These thoughts tend to creep in during long commutes, late nights, or while scrolling through yet another announcement of someone else’s achievement.What No One Talks AboutIn the world of high performance, such feelings rarely find a voice. Singh observes that the conversations in these circles stay surface-level—productivity, KPIs, market trends. But beneath it all is an emotional toll: the weight of constant ambition, the pressure to do better, and the fear that someone else is inching ahead. And it’s not about craving praise either. Most of these professionals stopped chasing external validation long ago. What rattles them is the subtle sense of sta when growth feels slow and someone else’s story feels shinier.The Environment of Ever-Rising BarsWhy is this happening? Singh points to the nature of the environment these individuals work in. When excellence is expected, achievements that once thrilled now feel ordinary. An idea that was groundbreaking five years ago may now seem outdated. Constant exposure to others’ polished highlight reels can skew one’s perspective, leaving even top-tier professionals feeling behind.The Mental Churn of ‘What More?’The high-functioning brain is always buzzing with “What more could I have done?” Left unchecked, this becomes more draining than motivating. Ms Singh notes how this mental churn can blur decision-making. Success doesn’t feel like success. Taking a break feels like laziness. And even milestones are accompanied by a haunting urgency to get to the next one.Why It Feels So Lonely at the TopThere’s also the cultural expectation that leaders must always be strong, focused, and future-oriented. As Singh puts it, the higher someone climbs, the fewer spaces they find to express vulnerability. And as everyone else’s life appears increasingly curated and perfect, the loneliness grows. The internal struggle becomes more isolated, more silent.What Actually HelpsAccording to Singh, what helps is clarity, not the kind that fills spreadsheets or timelines, but the one that comes from knowing your personal direction. Without this, even ambitious pursuits can feel empty. It’s important to filter what truly deserves your attention. Every achievement that pops up on your feed is not your missed opportunity. “Momentum, when borrowed, rarely lasts,” she warns. That buzz of external inspiration often leads people away from what really matters.Make Space for QuietInstead of reacting constantly, Singh recommends carving out time for honest reflection. Ironically, some of the best leadership decisions happen in the quiet seasons. It’s not always about doing more, she says. Sometimes, it’s about doing what’s right with intention.When the Inner Edge Begins to FrayThis silent form of FOMO is widespread but rarely acknowledged. High performers are often expected to have it all figured out. But Singh warns that when the pressure builds from within slowly, subtly, and without expression, it chips away at the very edge that made them excel in the first place.Ask the Right QuestionIt’s not about whether someone else is racing ahead. Singh closes with a powerful reminder: “The better question is whether the current direction still feels right.” Because when it does, the outside noise starts to fade.

the quiet anxiety in high achievers and why success does not silence fomo

How Sedation Helps People Feel Less Nervous At The Dentist

Nutrition

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

how naturopathy uses greens like brahmi and moringa to promote detoxification and gut health

5 Healthy Foods For Your Dental Health

5 healthy foods for your dental health

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 <span>dental anxiety</span> 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 <span>dental phobia</span>. So we turned to an expert to know how sedation works and if it really helps anxious people overcome the fear. 

<strong>What Is <span rel="noindex">Sedation Dentistry</span>?</strong>

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.”

<strong>There are several ways sedation can be delivered:</strong>

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

<strong>No More Gritting Your Teeth Through the Pain</strong>

Wondering what the upside is? “The biggest benefit is psychological — sedation helps calm your mind and body, reducing the fear associated with <span>dental procedures</span>,” 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 <span>gag reflex</span> 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

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 <span>Trigeminal Neuralgia</span> (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: <span>radiofrequency ablation</span> 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 <span>microdiscectomy</span> 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”.

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

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

Quick Stories

The Quiet Anxiety in High Achievers and Why Success Does Not Silence FOMO

How Sedation Helps People Feel Less Nervous At The Dentist

12-Year-Old Teen Dies From Rare Brain Tumor After Unusual Early Signs, Grieving Mother Urges Parents To Watch For Subtle Symptoms

Health Conditions A-Z

10 Minute Warm-Up Yoga Poses That You Should Do Every Morning

Amid Intensified Midsummer Heatwave In US, Here’s How To Keep Heat Exhaustion And Stroke At Bay

The Quiet Anxiety in High Achievers and Why Success Does Not Silence FOMO