Screwdriver Pain: Man's Battle With World's Worst Condition

Gerwyn Tumelty, 52, described his suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) as a "screwdriver in the side of his face," experiencing agony so severe he contemplated ending his life. This rare condition, affecting approximately 8 in 100,000 people annually, involves a blood vessel strangling a facial nerve, often misdiagnosed as toothache. Attacks can be triggered by mundane actions like wind or washing, lasting mere seconds or up to two minutes and occurring hundreds of times daily.

In 2019, Gerwyn underwent neurosurgery to relieve pressure on the nerve, a procedure that carries risks of complications such as numbness, hearing loss, stroke, and death. Despite a successful recovery from the physical pain, Gerwyn later grappled with mental health issues. He found renewed purpose through healthy living, exercise, and challenging himself daily, including ice baths, to "face the day and to face life."

Meanwhile, Aneeta Prem, chief executive of the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK, continues to live with Bilateral TN, a rare form affecting both sides of her face. Her diagnosis took seven years, during which she was repeatedly told nothing was wrong. She emphasizes the need for early diagnosis, particularly at GP and dental practices, noting Wales has a successful multi-disciplinary diagnostic system. The charity highlights that many sufferers experience isolation and loneliness, with a significant percentage contemplating suicide without seeking help.