When Michelle Kupé first noticed something amiss with a strange sensation in her cheek, she had no idea that her life was about to take a dramatic turn. Initially dismissing it as a dental issue, she soon found herself facing an unimaginable battle with trigeminal neuralgia, a debilitating condition marked by sudden, sharp pain that feels like electric shocks coursing through the face.

The Pain Begins: A Quest for Answers

Her ordeal began in December 2017, when she scheduled an appointment with her dentist, hoping to uncover the cause of the buzzing feeling in her cheek. After a thorough examination and X-rays, her dentist could find no dental issues, yet the sensation persisted. As Michelle prepared for a cruise with friends, the pain worsened, making her increasingly anxious. “I constantly thought something was wrong, and I wasn’t well,” she recalled.

As her condition escalated, she returned to the dentist, who suspected trigeminal neuralgia—a rare condition that causes severe facial pain. Armed with a referral to a neurologist, her journey to understanding her pain was just beginning.

Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is not only painful but also perplexing, characterized by episodes of intense facial pain. The pain is attributed to the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensory information from the face to the brain. Michelle’s symptoms intensified, shifting from a buzzing to feeling like an electric current coursing through her face. The uncertainty of her condition and the fear of triggering another attack took a heavy toll on her daily life. Eating, brushing her teeth, and even smiling became agonizing activities.

A Ray of Hope: Diagnosis and Treatment

After relentless testing and waiting, her MRI results revealed a vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve, leading her to Dr. Adam Sachs, head of Neurosurgery at The Ottawa Hospital. The prognosis showed that an artery was compressing her nerve, creating the unbearable electric shock-like pain she experienced. “To treat trigeminal neuralgia effectively, we need to alleviate this compression,” explained Dr. Sachs, emphasizing the transformative potential of surgical intervention.

Michelle was fortunate to undergo a modern microsurgical procedure that involved meticulous dissection and placement of Teflon pads to separate the artery from the nerve, providing her with the hope of relief. “Waking up after surgery, I immediately felt that the electric current in my face had vanished,” she shared, her long struggle seemingly behind her.

The Importance of Compassionate Care

The journey from pain to recovery isn’t merely about the medical procedure. Michelle highlighted the vital roles of the medical team, particularly the nursing staff, whose empathy and support made a significant difference during her vulnerable moments. “The kindness of my nurse reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this fight,” she reflected, expressing her gratitude for all those who contributed to her recovery.

Moving Forward: Embracing Life Again

Five days post-surgery, Michelle returned to her family, and while her path to recovery required ongoing physiotherapy, she was finally able to enjoy life again. Now an empty nester, her focus shifted to advocating for pain awareness and sharing her experiences, highlighting how vital support and understanding are for those grappling with invisible illnesses.

Reflecting on her journey, Michelle also emphasized the importance of community and philanthropy in medicine. Inspired by her family's past involvement in supporting neurosurgical advancements, she believes in the profound impact of giving back, noting that you never know who might ultimately benefit.

Michelle's story is one of resilience and hope, serving as a reminder of both the challenges and triumphs in battling trigeminal neuralgia.