Superstar Salman Khan has revealed that he underwent 'Gamma Knife surgery' in 2011 after years of suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, a condition so agonising that doctors often describe it as the “suicidal disease.” The disclosure came during his appearance on the celebrity talk show "Two Much", hosted by Kajol and Twinkle Khanna.
Khan said the disorder first appeared in 2007, when he was filming Partner. What began as sharp twinges of facial pain soon escalated into attacks so severe that even chewing food, speaking, or a light touch on his cheek triggered unbearable jolts. “It used to take me more than 90 minutes to finish breakfast. Even a strand of hair brushing my face felt like an electric shock,” the actor recalled.
A Hidden Battle
Despite taking strong painkillers, the actor said he often found little relief. The attacks would return every few minutes, disrupting both his work and personal life. For years, his suffering was mistaken for a dental or jaw problem before doctors confirmed trigeminal neuralgia. In 2011, the Gamma Knife procedure — a form of focused radiation that calms the overactive nerve — finally eased his pain.
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic nerve disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, responsible for facial sensation. It is most often caused by a blood vessel pressing against the nerve root. The result is sudden, stabbing pain on one side of the face, which can occur dozens of times a day.
The condition is frequently misdiagnosed as toothache or jaw trouble, delaying treatment. Neurologists warn that untreated cases can severely affect quality of life and mental health, as patients live in constant fear of the next attack.
Symptoms and Triggers
Sharp, shock-like pain in the face
Episodes lasting seconds to minutes, recurring many times daily.
Pain triggered by routine actions like chewing, brushing teeth, speaking, or exposure to wind
Treatment Options
Doctors usually prescribe anticonvulsant medicines such as carbamazepine to calm nerve activity. If medicines fail, minimally invasive procedures like radiofrequency ablation, glycerol injections, or balloon compression may be tried. In severe cases, surgeries such as microvascular decompression or stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) are used, with the latter proving effective in Khan’s case.
More Health Concerns
During the same conversation, Khan also revealed he lives with a brain aneurysm and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), both serious vascular conditions that require continuous monitoring. Specialists note that such overlapping disorders make treatment more complex.
Why His Revelation Matters
By going public with his struggle, Khan has brought attention to one of the most painful but least understood neurological disorders. Doctors say his admission may encourage others suffering from unexplained facial pain to seek timely diagnosis and treatment.
