dailymail.co.uk
Man Survives Near-Death Experiences, Battles "Suicide Disease"
A 47-year-old man, Josh, recounts surviving multiple near-death experiences and his 12-year battle with trigeminal neuralgia (TGN), a debilitating condition causing extreme facial pain that led to three comas; he is currently in remission.
- What is trigeminal neuralgia (TGN), and what are its most significant effects on patients' lives?
- A 47-year-old man, Josh, has revealed his lifelong battle with near-death experiences and trigeminal neuralgia (TGN), a condition causing excruciating facial pain. His experiences include stillbirth, near-drowning, choking, accidents, and the current chronic pain of TGN. The intensity of his TGN pain led to three comas induced by sedation to manage the agony.
- What are the current most effective treatments for severe TGN, and what are their long-term success rates?
- While Josh's acute TGN has been in remission for 12 years, his story raises awareness about the devastating effects of this condition and the need for effective treatment options like posterior fossa exploration (PFE) surgery. The high success rate of PFE (87% immediate relief, 78% at 5 years) suggests a potential solution for those suffering from intractable TGN pain, potentially improving quality of life significantly for patients.
- How does Josh's history of near-death experiences influence his perception of his TGN diagnosis and overall health?
- Josh's case highlights the debilitating impact of TGN, a rare neurological disorder causing severe, unpredictable facial pain. His numerous near-death experiences, while unrelated to TGN, underscore his perception of a recurring mortality risk. The condition affects an estimated 10,000-15,000 people annually in the US, with triggers ranging from minor actions (like smiling) to weather changes.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is structured around Josh's personal story, which is emotionally compelling. While this makes the article engaging, it could unintentionally overshadow the broader medical information about TGN. The headline, focusing on "death," might also overemphasize the negative aspects of the condition.
Language Bias
The use of phrases like "suicide disease" and descriptions of the pain as "being burned alive" are emotionally charged and could unintentionally sensationalize the condition. While they effectively convey the severity of the pain, more neutral alternatives could be considered to maintain objectivity. For example, instead of "suicide disease," "a condition causing extreme pain leading to suicidal ideation" could be used.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Josh's personal experiences and the specifics of his condition, but it lacks broader context on the prevalence and impact of trigeminal neuralgia on a larger scale. While it mentions prevalence estimates, it doesn't delve into the overall societal or economic burden of the disease, support systems available for sufferers, or the latest research on treatments beyond PFE.
Gender Bias
While the article focuses on one male subject, this alone does not constitute gender bias. However, to increase the article's inclusivity, adding diverse perspectives from female sufferers could improve representation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the successful treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TGN), a chronic pain condition significantly impacting the patient's quality of life. The case studies of Josh and Claudia Hirsch demonstrate the positive impact of medical intervention, improving their well-being and reducing suffering. The information about TGN diagnosis and treatment contributes to improved healthcare practices and promotes better health outcomes for those with this debilitating condition. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to 'ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages'.