Investigating brain connectivity in chronic jaw pain disorders

Brain Connectivity Patterns in Chronic Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10466898

This study is looking at how the way different parts of the brain connect might affect people with chronic pain from jaw issues, and it hopes to find patterns that could help improve treatment for those dealing with this kind of pain.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10466898 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how brain connectivity patterns relate to chronic pain in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD). By using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to identify specific brain circuits that may be involved in the processing and persistence of pain. The research will compare chronic TMJD patients with pain-free individuals to see if distinct connectivity patterns can be linked to levels of pain-related disability. This could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for those suffering from chronic TMJD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic temporomandibular joint disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with acute TMJD or those without any jaw pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment approaches for patients with chronic TMJD pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity in chronic pain conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Functional disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.