Face2face: Visual journeys through trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract

Abstract Face2face was a project where patients with facial pain collaborated with a visual artist to create photographic images that would expand the language around pain. These images have now been made into a pack of 54 pain cards which can be used with other patients to improve consultations between healthcare professionals and patients. Two patients who participated in this project describe their experiences, which began with the difficulty of getting a diagnosis and unnecessary, irreversible dental treatment. The only medications available eventually became ineffective and resulted in significant side effects. They lived in fear, isolation, and low mood. Neurosurgery proved to be the successful treatment, resulting in freedom from pain. This chapter includes ten images they co-created over a period of time with artist Deborah Padfield.