IMPACT OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIC PAIN AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG GERIATRIC POPULATION OF KARACHI

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic neuropathic disorder marked by sudden, recurrent facial pain along one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. Typically affecting one side of the face, this condition is often triggered by daily activities such as chewing, brushing teeth, talking, or exposure to cold substances. The pain can significantly disrupt both physical and emotional aspects of life, especially in the elderly population, leading to reduced functional capacity and social withdrawal. Objective: To determine the impact of trigeminal neuralgic pain on the quality of life among the geriatric population residing in Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to April 2025 across seven districts of Karachi. A total of 385 participants aged 50 years and above were enrolled using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The presence and severity of trigeminal neuralgia were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while the impact on quality of life was evaluated through the validated Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, and associations were tested with chi-square analysis. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 385 participants, 268 (69.61%) reported neuralgic facial pain. Difficulties in pronouncing words were reported by 247 (64.15%), while dietary issues were experienced by 261 (67.79%). A total of 283 participants (73.50%) felt depressed due to their condition, and 218 (56.62%) admitted to skipping meals. According to VAS scores, 108 participants (28.05%) reported severe pain levels, directly affecting daily functioning. Conclusion: Trigeminal neuralgia was highly prevalent among the elderly in Karachi, with significant impairment observed in their quality of life. Early multidisciplinary intervention is essential to reduce the physical and psychological burden of this condition.