Understanding Pain from Trigeminal Nerve Damage
Mechanisms of Pain Associated with Trigeminal Nerve Injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11129884
This research explores why pain from trigeminal nerve damage is so difficult to treat and how certain medicines might work better for it than for other types of nerve pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11129884 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Pain from damage to the trigeminal nerve, which affects the face, is often severe and hard to manage with current treatments. We've noticed that a medicine called carbamazepine, which helps with seizures, can sometimes relieve trigeminal nerve pain, even though it doesn't work well for pain in other parts of the body. Our goal is to understand why this difference exists by comparing how trigeminal nerves and other nerves respond to injury. By studying these unique responses, we hope to find new and more effective ways to treat this specific type of facial pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients experiencing chronic pain due to trigeminal nerve injury, such as those with trigeminal neuralgia or other facial neuropathic pain conditions.
Not a fit: Patients whose pain is not related to trigeminal nerve injury or who do not experience neuropathic pain may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of more effective and targeted treatments for patients suffering from trigeminal nerve injury pain.
How similar studies have performed: Clinical observations have shown carbamazepine's temporary effectiveness for trigeminal nerve pain, and initial animal studies in this project have confirmed differences in nerve response to injury.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GOLD, MICHAEL S — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: GOLD, MICHAEL S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.