Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia is a rare and excruciatingly painful condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, leading to unbearable sensations on the face. For Emily Morton, a 28-year-old woman from Australia, this diagnosis turned her life upside down, plunging her into a world of relentless agony and despair. This is Morton’s journey battling what doctors have dubbed the “most painful condition known to medicine” and her unwavering determination to find relief.
Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia: The Most Painful Condition in Medicine

Morton’s ordeal began unexpectedly, with a seemingly innocuous pain in her teeth. What started as a minor discomfort soon escalated into a nightmare of unbearable proportions. The pain spread through her mouth, causing electric shocks that radiated through her face, triggered by the slightest touch or movement. Describing her torment, Morton likened it to having a dentist drill into each tooth incessantly, with no respite in sight.
“It would hurt when I smiled, talked and ate. All normal things. There are no words to describe this degree of pain.’ Morton explained.
The Diagnosis of Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia

Following extensive medical consultations and tests, Emily Morton received a devastating diagnosis – atypical trigeminal neuralgia. This rare form of trigeminal neuralgia affects both sides of the face, amplifying the intensity of the pain that patients like Morton endure. Doctors informed her that this condition is notoriously known as the “suicide disease,” a chilling moniker that underscores the agonizing nature of the disorder and its psychological toll on sufferers.
Atypical trigeminal neuralgia and typical trigeminal neuralgia are two distinct forms of a debilitating condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, leading to excruciating facial pain. While both conditions involve intense facial pain, the key difference lies in their presentation and symptoms. Typical trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by severe, sudden, and sharp bouts of pain that are often triggered by simple actions like chewing, talking, or brushing teeth. These episodes are usually short-lived but can be recurrent and intense. On the other hand, atypical trigeminal neuralgia manifests as a continuous, burning, or aching sensation that persists for longer durations, often affecting both sides of the face. The pain in atypical trigeminal neuralgia is typically described as more constant and less responsive to conventional treatments compared to the episodic nature of typical trigeminal neuralgia. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of these challenging conditions.
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Living in Pain: The Harsh Reality

aThe excruciating pain of atypical trigeminal neuralgia has robbed Emily Morton of her ability to lead a normal life. The constant anguish has forced her to give up her job, causing significant financial strain on her and her husband. The couple has had to rely on costly treatments that offer little relief, culminating in a relentless quest for a solution that seems elusive.
“We have spent thousands of dollars trying to find a cause and an effective treatment for the pain,” she revealed. “We’ve travelled interstate and even overseas in an effort to get me some kind of quality of life. It feels like a race against time to find out why. The condition has taken everything from me. It takes over my entire existence. My entire life is on hold while I search for something to give me relief. I just take it day by day and hold on to hope.”
Treatment Options and Challenges

While traditional therapies have failed to alleviate her condition, Morton is considering a novel neurosurgical procedure – MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound. This innovative treatment presents a aglimmer of hope for Morton, offering a chance at relief from the unrelenting agony she endures daily. However, the steep cost of the procedure poses a significant challenge, adding to the already burdensome financial strain on the young couple.
A Ray of Hope: Crowdfunding and Advocacy

To meet the expenses of the groundbreaking procedure, Morton’s sister initiated a GoFundMe campaign, rallying support from friends, family, and compassionate strangers. The outpouring of generosity has brought Morton closer to the goal of accessing the treatment that could potentially change her life. Despite her personal struggles, Morton dreams of using her experience to advocate for individuals facing similar battles with invisible illnesses, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and advancement in healthcare.
Looking Towards the Future

As Emily Morton navigates the labyrinth of pain and suffering imposed by atypical trigeminal neuralgia, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of a cure. Her unwavering determination and resilience in the face of unimaginable torment serve as an inspiring testament to the human spirit. While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, Morton’s commitment to raising awareness and embracing every moment of life with gratitude stands as a beacon of hope for those grappling with chronic pain conditions.
Hope for Emily

Emily Morton’s courageous battle against atypical trigeminal neuralgia sheds light on the profound impact of chronic pain on individuals and their loved ones. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and fortitude required to confront life-altering conditions. Through her journey, Morton exemplifies the strength of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable challenges, offering solace and inspiration to others navigating similar paths of pain and uncertainty. As she continues to fight for relief and advocate for improved healthcare for invisible illness sufferers, Morton’s story remains a testament to the power of perseverance and solidarity in the face of adversity.
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