What is trigeminal neuralgia? Travis Barker suffers an episode of disorder amid wife Kourtney Kardashian's pregnancy
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Travis Barker, who is expecting his first child with Kourtney Kardashian, revealed he experienced a painful episode of Trigeminal Neuralgia, a disorder causing intense facial pain.
The Blink-182 drummer also shared his recent health challenges, including a battle with COVID-19, while the band is in the midst of a world tour.
"Last week I had covid, an episode of trigeminal neuralgia, and a root canal," Barker wrote on X, before putting fans at ease by adding, "Which means I can pretty much handle anything god throws at me."
Also last week I had covid, an episode of trigeminal neuralgia, and a root canal. Which means I can pretty much handle anything god throws at me.
— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) September 29, 2023
Travis Barker suffers from Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
People with this condition experience intense, stabbing or electric shock-like facial pain, usually on one side of the face. The pain can be triggered by simple activities like chewing, talking, or even a light touch to the face.
It can be excruciating and debilitating, impacting daily life and quality of life. Treatment options may include medications, injections, or in severe cases, surgery to relieve the pain.
Fans and well-wishers flooded the comments section of Barker's X post, to express their support and best wishes.
One person wrote, "You are a huge inspiration Travis, stay strong."
Another quoted Winston Churchill, saying, "Winston Churchill once said If you’re going through Hell, keep going."
Meanwhile, fans who also had Trigeminal Neuralgia commented on Barker's post to share their experiences.
One wrote, "Oh my goodness ! I felt like I was the only person in the world that suffers from Trigeminal Neuralgia! The worst pain ever! Birthing 4 children naturally doesn’t even compare to this type of pain God bless you young man!"
Another added, "The trigeminal neuralgia is so painful!! My last episode came along with covid although I've suffered from it for a long time. It lasted from April until August of 2022!"
"I'm so unbelievably sorry you have TN as well. I'm sure the root canal flared you... and yes you are pretty much a super hero for enduring that hideous pain. Prayers for you," added a third.
Winston Churchill once said If you’re going through Hell, keep going
— Miami Mike 305🦩🌴✨ (@0xMiamiMike) September 29, 2023
Oh my goodness ! I felt like I was the only person in the world that suffers from Trigeminal Neuralgia! The worst pain ever! Birthing 4 children naturally doesn’t even compare to this type of pain God bless you young man!
— India Love (@IndiaHoneyLove) September 29, 2023
The trigeminal neuralgia is so painful!! My last episode came along with covid although I've suffered from it for a long time. It lasted from April until August of 2022!
— shelly rogalski (@shellyinbuffalo) September 29, 2023
I'm so unbelievably sorry you have TN as well. I'm sure the root canal flared you... and yes you are pretty much a super hero for enduring that hideous pain. Prayers for you 🙏🤍
— Jo DiPietro (@JoDiPietro) September 30, 2023
Travis Barker suggests remedy for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Barker, 47, has been candid about his struggle with trigeminal neuralgia, even suggesting acupuncture as a potential remedy for others dealing with the condition.
"Trigeminal Neuralgia = [thumbs down]. Anybody suffering from it try acupuncture. I look like HELLRAISER !" the band member wrote on Instagram in 2017.
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Earlier this month, 'Blink-182's European tour was postponed when Barker had to fly home back to Los Angeles to support his wife during an emergency surgery for their unborn son.
He wrote on X, "God is great. I flew home for a life-threatening emergency surgery for our baby that I’m so grateful went well. I want to say thank you for all the support. Tour resumes Friday."
God is great. I flew home for a life-threatening emergency surgery for our baby that I’m so grateful went well. I want to say thank you for all the support. Tour resumes Friday.
— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) September 6, 2023