You are invited to join the Ontario Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Network (Grey Bruce) at the Owen Sound city hall community flag pole (Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, southwest corner) at 9:00 am on Tuesday, October 10, as we raise the Trigeminal Neuralgia awareness flag. This is a public event and all are encouraged to attend.

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is an often debilitating chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. People living with TN can experience extreme facial pain from the slightest stimulus. Chewing, brushing teeth, and even mild touch can bring on jolts of severe pain. Unfortunately, it is a poorly understood condition, frequently misdiagnosed as dental problems. Treatment, usually consisting of pain medication, is not always helpful, and while there are a few surgical procedures, these often meet with limited success.

The late Bob Wallace of 92.3 the Dock lived with TN and described a history of complicated procedures and a copious regimen of pills, despite which he endured pain so severe he frequently could not open his mouth to speak. Through it all he was a staunch activist on behalf of those who live with the condition. It was the fondest wish of Bob and his partner Diana Meder that TN be recognized publicly in town on or around Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day (October 7). To this end the Ontario Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Network (Grey Bruce) has commissioned a flag, which we shall raise on October 10, the nearest suitable date following Thanksgiving.

Join us as we spread the word. The colour of TN awareness is teal; attendees are encouraged to wear teal clothing or ribbons.

For more information, contact Richard-Yves Sitoski ([email protected]) and visit the Ontario Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Network (Grey & Bruce) Facebook page.

source: media release, Ontario Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Network