Scientific Symposium

Highlights Automated Pain Measurement: Dr. Basbaum's lab developed an automated, machine-learning-based system (DeepLabCut) to objectively track and quantify pain-related behaviors in mice, enhancing the accuracy and reproducibility of results. Model Relevance: The FRICT-ION mouse model shows carbamazepine (a standard TN treatment) reverses pain symptoms, validating the model's relevance to human TN. Novel Drug Findings: Alpha-2A

Here are the main takeaways from the co-presentation by Dr. Donald Nixdorf and Dr. Suzie Bergman: 1. Diagnostic Challenges Facial pain can be caused by TN (a nerve condition) or TMD (muscle/joint issues), and the symptoms often overlap. Wrong diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatments—dental, medical, or surgical—that may not provide relief. The 'telephone game'

FPRF Symposium 2026: Genetics of Trigeminal Neuralgia – Highlights Key Insights from Dr. Kim Burchiel’s Presentation Dr. Kim Burchiel and his multi-center team (US, Canada, UK) presented new genetic findings about trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Their research found that while TN symptoms (sharp, electric-shock-like facial pain) appear similar, the causes may be different: Older patients (>45)

Once a year, the Facial Pain Research Foundation (FPRF) brings together the world's leading scientists, clinicians, patient advocates and funders working developing improved diagnosis and therapies/cures for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and other facial pain conditions. The 2026 meeting was held in Chicago and lasted three days. The first evening was a chance for individuals