Directional Deep Brain Stimulation for Neuropathic Dental Pain
Official title: Pain Alleviation for Patients Receiving Directional Deep Brain Stimulation to Treat Neuropathic Dental Pain
Run by University of British Columbia · NCT07671950 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether directional deep brain stimulation can reduce neuropathic dental pain in adults by targeting thalamic regions during DBS programming.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 5 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07671950 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 19 to 80 with neuropathic dental pain (Atypical Odontalgia) who are already receiving DBS and have inadequate response to standard therapies.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without pain reductions or with adverse DBS effects may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective observational study will track pain, disability, quality of life, and mood in adults with atypical odontalgia who undergo directional deep brain stimulation. After DBS implantation, participants will undergo routine programming to stimulate multiple thalamic targets (VPM, CM, and anterior pulvinar) to see which settings provide the best pain relief. Assessments are collected before surgery and after DBS programming to characterize changes in pain and daily functioning. The study seeks to identify which stimulation target is most associated with reduced neuropathic dental pain and improved life quality. No comparison arm is planned; the focus is on describing outcomes across stimulation settings in this niche population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience greater and more durable pain relief and improved quality of life through optimized DBS settings.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests thalamic DBS can help neuropathic facial pain, but there is no established target for neuropathic dental pain, making this approach exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 19 to 80 years. * Diagnosis of Atypical Odontalgia (AO) (also known as neuropathic dental pain). * Receiving deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment for AO due to inadequate response to conventional therapies, including: Pharmacological therapies, and/or Local anesthetics, corticosteroid injections, or nerve blocks. * Able and willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal or inability to provide informed consent. * Known major depression. * Acute psychosis.
Where it's running
-
Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Danielle Pietramala
- Email: danielle.pietram@ubc.ca
- Phone: 604-875-4111
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.