Episode Summary: Ep. 92 | Trigger Point
Podcast: MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries
Host: Wondery | Ballen Studios
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Introduction to David's Medical Nightmare
In "Trigger Point," Episode 92 of MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries, host Mister Ballin delves into the harrowing medical journey of David Linnick, a 66-year-old economics professor whose quest for relief from excruciating facial pain spans over a decade.
The story begins in the summer of 2016 when David experiences a sudden, sharp pain in his cheek while landing at Philadelphia International Airport. Initially dismissing it as exhaustion, he soon finds himself grappling with relentless muscle spasms that disrupt his daily life.
Notable Quote:
“The pain was so bad his eyes welled up with tears until his vision went blurry” (00:00).
Initial Misdiagnoses and Frustration
Three months after the onset of his symptoms, David visits his doctor, who, after an MRI, reports no recurrence of his previously removed pituitary adenoma. Instead, the doctor suggests that the pain might be psychological, exacerbated by stress—a hypothesis David finds implausible given his active meditation practice and lack of significant life stressors.
Unsatisfied with this explanation, David seeks a second opinion, leading him to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. The ENT identifies a deviated septum but dismisses it as the cause of the facial pain, again attributing the symptoms to psychological factors. This dismissive trend continues even as the pain intensifies, culminating in a debilitating episode during a lecture, where David is forced to end his session early due to unbearable pain (03:18).
Notable Quote:
"This episode was called trigger point" (03:18).
Desperate Measures and Temporary Relief
Desperate for relief, David undergoes trigger point injections—each procedure is agonizing yet offers only temporary respite. Over time, the frequency of these injections becomes unsustainable, both financially and physically. By January 2009, after nearly three years of partial relief, David decides to seek help from a neurologist, hoping for a more definitive diagnosis.
Despite trying various treatments, including antidepressants and unconventional therapy methods suggested by an oral pain specialist, David's condition shows no improvement. His inability to meditate effectively due to constant pain further deteriorates his mental and emotional well-being (13:20).
Notable Quote:
"He feels like he was back to square one" (03:18).
The Correct Diagnosis Emerges
In May 2023, after seven years of suffering and multiple failed consultations, David meets Dr. Sarah Howard, a neurosurgeon specializing in neurosurgical oncology. Reviewing David’s medical history and previous MRI scans, Dr. Howard identifies a critical oversight: a group of blood vessels compressing David's left trigeminal nerve—a definitive case of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), often referred to as the "suicide disease" due to its severe pain levels (23:51).
Notable Quote:
"It's called a suicide disease because... some patients would choose to end their own lives rather than deal with the horrible disease" (13:20).
Risky Surgery and Partial Relief
Dr. Howard proposes a microvascular decompression surgery to alleviate the pressure on the trigeminal nerve. Despite the high risks associated—particularly given David's prior brain surgery—the potential for relief convinces David to proceed. The surgery involves inserting a microscopic Teflon pad between the nerve and the compressing blood vessels.
However, complications arise during the procedure when Dr. Howard discovers entangled veins, making complete relief unattainable. Post-surgery, David experiences a reduction in pain but not complete alleviation. He continues to suffer from intermittent nerve compression, though he regains a semblance of normalcy.
Notable Quotes:
"The solution was brain surgery" (23:51).
"The pain in David's face did diminish; however, it did not go away completely" (23:51).
Reflections and Lessons Learned
David reflects on his prolonged struggle, wishing he had sought specialized neurological care sooner to potentially avoid years of unnecessary pain and financial strain. His story underscores critical lessons in persistent medical advocacy and the importance of seeking multiple professional opinions when faced with chronic, unexplained symptoms.
Notable Quote:
"He thinks that maybe he would have ended up in a neurosurgeon's office much sooner, saving himself a lot of time, money, and pain" (23:51).
Conclusion
Episode 92, "Trigger Point," masterfully narrates David Linnick's decade-long battle with undiagnosed trigeminal neuralgia. Through detailed storytelling, Mister Ballin highlights the complexities of the medical diagnostic process, the emotional and financial toll of chronic pain, and the eventual triumph of accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment—even when complete relief remains elusive. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of specialized medical expertise and the resilience required to navigate chronic health challenges.
Production Credits:
This episode was written by Aaron Lam, edited by Heather Dundas, with sound design by Ryan Potesta. Senior Managing Producer: Callum Plews; Coordinating Producer: Sarah Mathis; Senior Producer: Alex Benedon; Associate Producers: Sarah Bytak and Teja Palaconda; Fact-Checking: Sheila Patterson. Executive Producers: Mister Ballin and Nick Witters for Wondery. Head of Production: Zach Levitt. Script Editing: Scott Allen and Evan Allen. Coordinating Producer: Samantha Collins. Production Support: Avery Siegel. Head of Sound: Marcelino Villapando. Senior Producers: Laura Donna Palavotta and Dave Schilling; Senior Managing Producer: Ryan Lohr; Executive Producers: Aaron O' Flaherty and Marshall Louie.
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