Persistent Facial Pain in Young Girl Leads to Rare Tumour Discovery in Mumbai
Mumbai: For the past six months, 21-year-old Pari Tulaskar (name changed) from Mira Road endured excruciating pain on the right side of her face. Described as sharp, electric shock-like jolts, the pain disrupted her daily life, leaving her in search of answers.
Despite consulting several doctors, the underlying cause remained undiagnosed—until a discovery changed everything. Local physicians advised her to see Dr. Samir Parekh, a Neurosurgeon at Apex Group of Hospitals in Borivali.
Dr. Samir Parekh explained, "We diagnosed her with trigeminal neuralgia, a condition often referred to as the 'suicide disease' due to the unbearable pain it causes. Advanced imaging through MRI revealed the source of her suffering: a rare epidermoid tumour, located between the small brain and brainstem. The tumour was pressing on the fifth cranial nerve, causing the intense facial pain. This type of tumour is rare and congenital, meaning it has been present since birth. Over time, it grew and began compressing the nerve, leading to irritation and pain. The solution was a delicate surgical procedure to remove the tumour and alleviate the pressure on the nerve. Remarkably, the facial pain disappeared immediately after the surgery."
Pathological analysis confirmed the tumour as an epidermoid tumour, a benign but potentially troublesome growth due to its ability to irritate surrounding nerves and tissues.
This case highlights the importance of thorough diagnostics for persistent, unexplained pain and offers hope to others suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, as innovative surgical techniques can often provide lasting relief, according to Dr. Samir Parekh.
"Waking up without pain was surreal," shared Pari Tulaskar. "It felt like getting my life back." Her father added, "This surgery was a life-changing experience for my child. I’m so grateful to Apex Superspeciality Hospital, Borivali, Dr. Samir Parekh, and the medical team."