It’s today! It’s today!
The condition of glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) was first described by a physician named Weisenburg in 1910. GPN is characterized by severe, paroxysmal episodes of pain localized to the external ear canal, the base of the tongue, the tonsil or the area beneath the angle of the jaw. It is caused by a malfunction of the glossopharyngeal (IX) cranial nerve. The pain is usually described as sharp, stabbing, and maybe triggered by swallowing, coughing, talking, or chewing.
Raising awareness of this condition is an easy way to have a major impact. GPN is virtually unknown, even within the facial pain community. You could very easily share this post on social media today, and reach someone who has GPN and had never heard of it before.
You could change a life today, and all you have to do is post the link to this post on Facebook.
VIDEO AWARENESS TOOLS
There’s nothing quite like a short YouTube video to help spread knowledge of a condition. Feel free to use this one to educate your friends and family. YouTube videos can be shared online, in emails, and in text messages.
JULIE’S FACIAL PAIN FRIENDLY RECIPES
Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup
Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped (omit if onions increase your pain)
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 heads cauliflower, chopped
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (Can substitute cooked chicken if cheese increases pain. It will taste different, but the chicken will be a good protein option)
- ⅓ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
Saute onions and butter in a large saucepan for about 5 minutes Add half and half, milk, water, and chicken broth. Add chopped cauliflower. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes
Reduce to room temperature or close to room temperature. Blend the soup a few cups at a time. (If you are substituting chicken for the cheese, blend chicken with soup. If using cheese, wait to add until soup is blended). Once blended, return to a medium heat. Add mustard and cheese, stirring occasionally until cheese is melted.
*Tip for Facial Pain patients: Measure 1 cup of soup into individual ziploc freezer bags, labeled with date and type of soup, and freeze for the bad days. When ready to use, thaw one freezer bag inside a bowl of hot water for 3-5 minutes then reheat over stove top or microwave.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, WARRIORS!
GO FORTH TODAY, AND SHARE GPN AWARENESS EVERYWHERE.
TOGETHER, WE WILL BRING FACIAL PAIN OUT OF OBSCURITY AND INTO THE LIGHT!
