NeuroWords

Trigeminal Neuralgia 2nd Professionals Study Day – Saturday 18th June 2011

Venue:  Grand Connaught Rooms

61-65 Great Queen Street

London WC2B 5DA

COURSE ORGANISER:

Professor Joanna M. Zakrzewska

Chairperson of TNA Medical Advisory Board

Clinical Lead for Facial Pain Unit UCLH NHS Foundation Trust,London

Verifiable CPD for dental practitioners

Accredited by Royal College of Physicians London and Royal College of Anaesthetists

6 CPD points

This Study Day will run alongside the TNA’s one-day conference for trigeminal neuralgia patients and their carers.  It will thus provide attendees with an opportunity to hear first-hand from sufferers, and determine their treatment goals and how best they can be served.  From our last conference in 2007, patients and professionals valued the interaction that this type of conference encourages.  It enhances our ability to offer patient-centred care and helps to develop the expert patient who is much more likely to be satisfied with treatment outcomes.

The aim of the programme is to increase healthcare professionals’ awareness of trigeminal neuralgia, especially its diagnosis and up-to-date management.  From recent data produced by Hall et al (Pain, 2006) on the epidemiology of neuropathic pain in the UK, it would appear that trigeminal neuralgia is more common than previously thought in UK medical practices.  Its incidence has been put at 26.8 per 100,000, whereas this was thought to be 4-6 in 100,000.  However, a similar study done in Holland showed an initial incidence similar to the UK data but when the diagnosis was validated by experts the incidence fell to 12.  Thus GPs tend to over diagnose the condition and are not aware of other potential causes of unilateral episodic facial pain.  In a recent debate in the House of Commons (27^th July 2010), the Minister of State from the Department of Health assured the MPs that training needs would be addressed.

For more information contact help@tna.org.uk or go to www.tna.org.uk