Anita’s Story: A Second Chance at Life

For over six years, Anita Nowicki-Costello experienced frequent episodes of “excruciating pain” to the side of her skull, down her cheek to her lower lip, and down her throat. She was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic condition where pain is felt in areas along the trigeminal nerve, located in your head, including the eye, cheek, and jaw. Pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia is often described as extreme “electrical” pain, which can last for seconds to minutes. Over time, the pain worsens and is triggered by normal daily activities.

“Each episode became more frequent and more debilitating than the last,” said the 47-year-old. “Other than taking common anticonvulsants (medication used to treat nerve pain), I sought treatment via acupuncture; chiropractic; and Ayurveda (a whole-body system of medicine that uses treatment via herbs, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes) all with minimal improvement.”

Anita then turned to the internet and learned about the Valley Gamma Knife Center. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a minimally invasive, advanced form of radiation therapy that uses multiple focused beams of high-dose gamma radiation to target a specific area while minimizing effects on any surrounding areas, including the healthy surrounding tissue.

After a consultation with Rupa Juthani, MD, Sub-Specialty Medical Director of Endoscopic Skull Based Surgery for The Valley Hospital, Anita scheduled her Gamma Knife procedure for May 1, 2024.

“The entire staff at Valley was courteous and professional and made me feel at ease every step of the way from before, to during, and after my surgery.”

Anita felt results shortly after the surgery.

“I was able to eat and speak without pain for the first time in six weeks, and even saw some improvement on the day of the procedure. I felt like I was given a second chance at life.”

“I am still able to function without pain, and I celebrate each day by paying it forward,” said Anita. “I would recommend anyone suffering from trigeminal neuralgia to meet with the professionals at Valley. I could have saved myself years of pain had I made the call sooner.”