Latest news with #TN
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Man cured of rare facial pain with advanced radiosurgery in Gurgaon
Gurgaon: For this 41-year-old native of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, life became a daily battle against invisible torment. For over a year, he endured sudden, electric shock-like pain on the right side of his face — pain so intense and unpredictable that even brushing his teeth or speaking could trigger a storm of agony. He was suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) — a condition so cruel, it is often called the "suicide disease." Trigeminal Neuralgia affects only about 4 to 13 people per 100,000 annually, making it an uncommon neurological disorder. It strikes without warning, causing recurrent facial pain that can last for seconds or minutes, and repeat dozens of times a day. In most cases, the right side of the face is affected. The condition is more prevalent in women and people over 50, though it can occur at any age, even in children, though extremely rarely. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon To treat the patient, the medical team at Medanta chose CyberKnife radiosurgery — a non-invasive, high-precision treatment — that uses focused radiation to target the affected nerve without harming surrounding brain tissue. Within 48 hours of the surgery, the patient reported a reduction in pain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like local network access control Esseps Learn More Undo A month has passed since, and he lives on with minimal medication. "It is a rare disease and patients suffering from it face severe headaches, inability to swallow even water, and spasms. The pain is intermittent. It can happen to anyone. After CyberKnife radiosurgery, which helps 60-90% patients, they may not feel any pain for 5 to 8 years. Earlier, just 50% of the patients used to get temporary relief after surgery," said Dr Tejinder Kataria, chairperson, radiation oncology, cancer care, Medanta. Explaining the disease, she said, "The trigeminal nerve, also known as the fifth cranial nerve, is one of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves and plays a vital role in facial sensation and motor functions like chewing. In cases of trigeminal neuralgia, a blood vessel—often an artery—compresses the nerve root near the brainstem, leading to localized, electric shock-like pain. This neurovascular conflict disrupts normal nerve signalling," she said. "Trigeminal neuralgia is primarily diagnosed through a patient's description of pain and its triggers. MRI imaging helps confirm if a blood vessel is compressing the trigeminal nerve. It's a diagnosis that blends clinical intuition with precision imaging," she added.
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
R. Sai Kishore discusses his breakthrough IPL season, finger-spinners in T20 cricket, competition for Indian team spots and more.
In this year's Indian Premier League, Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner R. Sai Kishore finally had the breakthrough season he had been looking for. The 28-year-old has had to wait three years for regular game-time and grabbed his chances in 2025, scalping 19 wickets for Gujarat Titans. In this chat with The Hindu, the TN skipper discusses the IPL, finger-spinners in T20 cricket, the competition for spots in the Indian team, and more. Excerpts: How satisfying was this year's IPL? I have been part of IPL for six or seven years, but have never had the opportunity to play a full season. So, very grateful for it. I do not have any attachment towards it. When you get a full season, you know your full potential, whether you can contribute or not. Otherwise, you are just [thinking of] permutations and combinations, whether I am good enough or not. After a full season, I feel very confident that I am ready to play at the highest level. The biggest realisation was that what I have is enough. Sometimes, when you are not competing, you don't know whether what you have is enough or not. What was your approach this year? I tried to stick to my basics, just as I would in any other tournament, such as the Mushtaq Ali, TNPL, or Ranji Trophy. If I execute my plans well, that's more than enough. Sometimes in T20, you can't buy wickets. So, wickets have to happen. I was very happy that the team also used me when the batsmen were trying to attack. And when I could just adapt to the situation, wickets were falling. So, very grateful for it. ALSO READ | Rishabh, the Pant-astic entertainer After your debut in 2022, you sat out 2023 because of the team combination and then an injury cut short your journey last year. How did you handle this phase? In the first year [2022], I had a very good season. You wanted to build on it. You would expect things to just happen. But as time would have it, I think that also was for the good. It made me much more mature and understand my game. As a result, all those experiences occurred because of that break. So when this breakthrough season happened, I was more than ready mentally to handle it. They say the Chinese bamboo tree doesn't grow for years, and suddenly, in one year, it grows. But for about six to seven years, the tree has been forming its roots and strengthening the foundations. This year, you were the leader of the spin attack. Did you enjoy the responsibility? In the other teams I play for, I naturally take on that role. So, it wasn't like I was taken aback or anything. I am waiting for such roles. To be fair, Rashid [Khan] is the best T20 bowler across all the teams. In this decade, he will be the best T20 bowler. Maybe for some reason, he didn't find his rhythm. Because I have done such roles in all the other competitions, it came naturally to me. I just wanted to back myself. Whatever has worked for me in domestic cricket is what has brought me here. Thankfully, Ashish Nehra also trusted me with those roles. Usually, people can be judgmental about a finger-spinner bowling in the death or a left-arm spinner against left-handers. But he trusted me. I am pleased I could deliver for the trust he had. Speaking about finger-spinners, there are not many going around. How can your tribe stay relevant in T20 cricket? The basic thing is to spin the ball. At times, as a finger-spinner, you dart the ball too much. If you can spin the ball, impart revolutions, and have the basics intact, that is where the key lies. Also, being very smart. Sometimes wrist-spinners can get away by being a little simple. They have to just bowl length, turn the ball both ways, and go. As finger-spinners, you have to understand the game, what the batsman is trying to do, what to do and what not to do. That becomes crucial, but still trying to spin the ball. Luckily, I have had coaches who always emphasised that and not just darting it in. I have been working with Ram Kumar for seven or eight years, and even with Aashish Kapoor in Gujarat Titans. Thankfully, I have had good mentors. You tried bowling the carrom ball this year. How did it come about? It is something which I consciously worked on because you can't just sit back. When you miss a lot of games, then naturally you want to develop. I don't have this. I will work on it. That thought was definitely [there] and could have been the seed for it. So, I worked on my carrom ball for the last two to three years. I started bowling it in the Deodhar Trophy two years ago. From there on, it has evolved so much. I didn't want to overuse it and make it a very mainstream thing. I have trust in my left-arm spin. So, whenever the situation arises, I will deliver. You have to keep evolving along with your basics. I feel the perfect left-arm spinner hasn't been formed yet, and I am working towards it. ALSO READ | The curious case of Kuldeep Yadav What is your idea of the perfect left-arm spinner? You should be able to bowl orthodox well. You should be able to dip the ball well. At the same time, also bowl defensively. Then you have the carrom, googly. What I am saying is probably a bit too much, but I want to keep it for myself so that I have something to look forward to. How do you assess your bowling, and what is your process for improving? Of late, I have stopped a lot [of looking at data]. I switch off my mind. If I have a skill, I want to extract it to the best. I am not diagnosing it or dissecting it. Ram is always very critical. It's difficult to get a 'well bowled' from him. I trust him and Aashish Kapoor. Sometimes, if I am drifting or falling apart, they tell me. They are very straightforward. They don't think about whether they are hurting me or not. Has captaincy helped you? It has helped me see the game from a larger perspective. Thinking not just as a bowler but also what a batsman does and thinking in terms of team dynamics. I have been grateful that when I started leading, we [Tamil Nadu] have done well in the last few years, and players are doing well. I wouldn't say it is [because of me]. I spoke to other captains and former cricketers. W.V. Raman sir helped a lot. He gave his inputs on how to keep the team together and what not to do. I interacted with him a lot during the 2023-24 season. India has quality left-arm spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel. And last year, Harsh Dubey did exceedingly well with bat and ball. How do you see the competition for spots? We are filled with talent. I am just trying to make my garden beautiful. If the flowers are beautiful, there will be bees here. If the garden is not beautiful, bees won't come. My philosophy is very simple. I just want to keep my garden very beautiful, very attractive. Automatically, what has to come will come. I trust the timing of the universe. When it comes, it will flow. You have to wait for it. I just want to make sure I am ready with all the skill-sets. If I go there, I don't want to turn back and say, 'No, I have to work on this'. I have got some learnings from IPL. I am just working on it here in TNPL. I think the best delivery I can have is patience.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Robin Singh's cure to TN's woes: Revamped fitness programme, long pre-season camp and academy overhaul
With Tamil Nadu's last domestic campaign severely hampered by injuries to key players throughout the season across formats, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association's consultant Robin Singh has put in a revamped fitness programme. The programme, which is overseen by strength and conditioning coach Ramji Srinivasan, is among the key areas that Robin has turned his attention to, apart from academy overhaul and long pre-season camp, ahead of the upcoming season. Last season, Tamil Nadu struggled in white-ball formats while their run in Ranji Trophy ended in quarterfinals as the likes of Sandeep Warrier, Gurjapneet Singh, Baba Indrajith, Shahrukh Khan were all unavailable because of injuries at various stages. With the resources thin, TN struggled at crucial junctures, forcing Robin to turn his attention to fitness, where a new programme has already been rolled out and players following it in the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League. Ahead of last season, Robin took a team of around 20 players to the UK for an exposure trip, but this season they have chosen a fitness camp that began in May. 'We wanted to, but it didn't happen,' Robin said of the UK trip. 'In retrospect, I would say it's a good thing, because we had to focus on having a camp. We wanted it for a month but we got three weeks and we will have one after the TNPL as well. Ramji has got a good idea of where they are and a programme has been given to them. Players need to take the responsibility. We cannot spoon-feed people. We are not working with one individual. We are working with 150, 160 people to build a system in place,' Robin, a veteran of 136 ODIs, tells The Indian Express. Ever since Robin, who led Tamil Nadu from 1995 to the end of his career in 2002, returned to the TN fold last season, he has emphasised on putting together a robust system. For instance, the TNCA Academy, where the coaches work with various teams in the state, has made steps to ensure that the players are ready as and when a need arises. M Venkatramana and Sunil Subramaniam are part of the academy as coaches while T Kumaran has become the bowling coach of the senior side. In recent times, players emerging out of the age-group levels have been found wanting at Ranji Trophy. Even the First Division cuts a sorry picture where under-prepared and rank-turners hinder development and give little preparation for Ranji grind. While Robin admits faults in the feeder system, he says it can't be an excuse to falter. 'We know you are going to get turning tracks. Teams are getting out for 20 and 40 and 60. It is a joke. So, it is important to have good wickets. Most of the companies want to win. So, whatever it takes to win, they do it and you can't fault them. So, the play is of no consequence,' he says. It's the same across the country, he says. 'A player has to understand that and realise this is just for this game. It does not stop you from doing extra practice. Most people go and play Chennai league, to get a score and satisfy themselves. But it is not enough. That is why the academy becomes important. You have all sorts of pitches here, use it to improve areas that need improvement. We are here and players who want to get to the next level, have to make use of it,' Robin says. In recent years, Tamil Nadu have struggled on seaming decks, with odd exceptions. The common reason that players often attribute has been the lack of preparation on such pitches. But Robin refuses to buy into that argument. 'I don't believe in people complaining because it is only an excuse. We were playing cricket before. Did we ever get tracks to practise seaming conditions? Didn't (S) Sharath, WV Raman make runs? Now, you have more facilities, not less,' he pointed out. 'You can prepare a ball to swing or get a two-piece ball and let it swing. You can get a swinging ball. Why don't you make an investment into those things? Nobody wants to spend money. Everybody wants everything on the platter. If you struggle against a moving ball, watch the ones who are playing it better, watch their technique and try to implement it in your game. Have they done that? You have to find a way. You have the likes of (L) Balaji, Tanveer (Jabbar) to help and there are others who are always ready as well,' Robin says. Having travelled around the globe as a coach in franchise cricket as well as with international teams, Robin believes that preparation levels are holding back TN. 'I'm a huge believer in preparation. Players have the hunger to perform, but they don't know how to go about it. That is what is lacking. You have to keep improving the game rather than (set) short-term goals. If a Ranji season begins, you can't be just preparing for opponents. There is no easy team to beat in Ranji, so you have to be on top of your game all the time. That has to be the focus. Forget about pitches. You have to prepare thinking every game is an away game,' he adds.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
What is trigeminal neuralgia? Salman Khan's battle with 'suicide disease'
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan first began experiencing symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia—a rare and intensely painful nerve condition—while shooting for Partner in 2007. For years, he endured excruciating facial pain that affected his ability to speak, eat, or move comfortably. In 2011, he underwent surgery in the United States, finding some relief from what's often dubbed the 'suicide disease' due to the unbearable nature of the pain. His story has drawn attention to a condition that is frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed. What is trigeminal neuralgia? According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder involving the trigeminal nerve, which branches across the eye, cheek, and jaw. While humans have two trigeminal nerves—one on each side—pain usually affects only one side of the face. Even light touch, a smile, or a breeze can trigger sudden, stabbing pain that feels like an electric shock. The condition is also called tic douloureux, meaning 'painful tic.' Why is it called the 'suicide disease'? The pain from TN can be so severe and unpredictable that it leads to suicidal thoughts in some patients. Many live in fear of the next attack, and while not everyone experiences mental health effects, the condition can take a serious emotional toll. What causes trigeminal neuralgia? 'TN often occurs when a blood vessel presses against the trigeminal nerve near the brainstem, disrupting its function and causing pain,' said Dr Animesh Kar, Neurologist, Narayana Hospital, Kolkata. Other causes include: Multiple sclerosis (MS) Tumours Nerve damage from surgery or trauma Unknown causes (idiopathic TN) What are the symptoms? Sudden, sharp facial pain (usually one-sided) Pain triggered by actions like brushing teeth or chewing Episodes lasting a few seconds to several minutes Increasing frequency of pain over time Who is at risk? A 2022 study places the global incidence between 4 and 13 cases per 100,000 people. Women are more commonly affected, and most cases occur after age 50—though younger individuals can also develop the condition. Genetics, autoimmune disorders, and neurological diseases may raise risk. How is it diagnosed and treated? 'The biggest challenge is getting the right diagnosis,' said Dr Kar. TN is often mistaken for dental or ENT problems. Diagnosis is typically clinical, supported by MRI to rule out other causes, which may cost ₹5,000–₹15,000. Treatment options include: Medications: Anticonvulsants like carbamazepine Surgery: Microvascular decompression Minimally invasive: Gamma knife radiosurgery, radiofrequency ablation Carbamazepine may cost a few hundred rupees monthly, while surgery can cost ₹1.5–₹4 lakh depending on hospital and technology. Mental health support is also vital, given the toll of chronic pain. Salman Khan's story puts the spotlight on TN Despite living with the condition, Salman Khan continued to act and host TV shows. While promoting Sikandar in Dubai, he called it 'one disease that basically has the highest rates of suicides,' highlighting its severity. Trigeminal neuralgia may be invisible, but its pain is real. Salman's story is a reminder to take unexplained facial pain seriously—early diagnosis and proper care can be life-changing.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Salman Khan battles 'suicide disease' and 2 deadly brain conditions; What these 3 disorders are and what doctors say
What is trigeminal neuralgia? What is a brain aneurysm and AVM? Live Events Can these conditions be related? Treatment options for Salman Khan's conditions Microvascular decompression: A surgery to reduce pressure on the trigeminal nerve. Gamma knife therapy: A non-invasive procedure that uses focused radiation, though it takes time to work. Neuro-intervention or brain surgery: These may be used for aneurysms and AVMs, depending on size and location. Daily challenges and the road ahead (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel In a recent episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show , Bollywood superstar Salman Khan shared a personal and painful truth that left many viewers stunned. Behind his cheerful smile and powerful on-screen presence, the 59-year-old actor is quietly fighting three serious medical conditions: trigeminal neuralgia (TN), brain aneurysm , and arteriovenous malformation (AVM).Salman revealed that he had surgery in Los Angeles in 2011 for trigeminal neuralgia, a condition often called 'the suicide disease' because of how painful it is. It causes sudden, sharp, electric shock-like pain on one side of the face, usually around the eyes, jaw or mouth. Even light wind, cold water, or touching the face can trigger an attack. While it is not fatal, TN can deeply affect a person's mental and emotional health due to the severe pain.A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that bulges out. It can burst suddenly, leading to life-threatening bleeding in the arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare condition where the blood vessels are tangled and abnormal. These vessels skip the usual flow pattern of blood between arteries and veins, increasing the risk of bleeding in the explain that both these conditions are dangerous and, if untreated, can cause strokes, loss of movement, or even death. Some symptoms include severe headaches, limb weakness, or sudden TN, aneurysms, and AVMs are different in nature, doctors say that sometimes they can affect each other. For example, an AVM or aneurysm near the trigeminal nerve might worsen TN symptoms. Some experts believe that vascular issues in the brain can lead to the development of more than one of these Sandhya Koche noted that such a combination is rare but possible, especially in people with high blood pressure, inherited disorders, or a history of head injuries. She said treating such patients is complicated and requires multiple scans, tests, and coordination between different to doctors, there are a few treatment options:Some cases may require more than one kind of treatment, and the success rate depends on how early the condition is found and how well the patient stress the importance of regular check-ups, following prescribed medicines, avoiding stress, and leading a healthy lifestyle. Smoking and high blood pressure can worsen these living with such serious health issues, Salman Khan continues to perform in action films and stay active. His courage and willpower show that his fight is not just to stay in the limelight, but simply to live fully, and that makes his journey all the more from TOI
