A GREEN MSP is to take a leave of absence from the Scottish Parliament for a planned procedure, as she revealed her battle with a rare and excruciating illness.
Cara McKee has revealed that she has a neurological condition that affects nerves in the face, usually on one side, and in her case on the left.
She told The Herald how she bravely fought through severe stabbing pains on her face as she gave her maiden speech to the Holyrood chamber with her colleague Lorna Slater by her side, ready to step in if she felt she couldn’t continue.
The 52-year-old is expected to take around seven weeks to recover from the procedure to treat trigeminal neuralgia, a rare and debilitating condition.
It is understood McKee may work remotely for a period before returning to the Scottish Parliament.
“Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare condition, but for those of us who live with it, it can be truly debilitating and affect every part of our daily lives,” she said.
“I am grateful to finally have the opportunity to undergo this procedure after years of relying on medication which is becoming less effective. I have confidence in the medical team caring for me and am hopeful that the treatment will be successful.
“I hope it will allow me to live without pain, enjoy the things I have been missing, and return to Parliament after a full and speedy recovery.”
McKee added: “In the meantime, my Green colleagues will support my parliamentary work, and my fantastic regional office team will continue to be there for my constituents.
“If you or someone you know has symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia then get checked. There is help that can make a big difference.”
Attacks from the condition can be triggered by a variety of things, including the wind, smiling, talking and eating. Or even by the lightest of touches, like her hair touching her face.
People with trigeminal neuralgia can face difficulty with daily tasks like brushing their teeth.
The condition is usually caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensations of pain and touch from your face, teeth and mouth to your brain.
The compression of the trigeminal nerve is usually caused by a nearby blood vessel pressing on part of the nerve inside the skull.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said that everyone from her party are wishing McKee “all the very best for her procedure and recovery”.
“She has been a fantastic addition to our Green MSP team," she added.
"We admire her openness in speaking about trigeminal neuralgia and helping to raise awareness of the profound impact it can have on people's lives.
“We look forward to welcoming her back to Parliament when she is ready.”
