Exploring the link between emotion, memory, and chronic facial pain
The Role of Limbic Subcortical Structures and Cognition in Chronic Neuropathic Pain
This study is trying to see how chronic facial pain affects memory and emotions by looking at brain changes in people with trigeminal neuralgia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Ages | 35 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06518421 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationship between chronic pain, specifically trigeminal neuralgia, and cognitive functions such as memory and emotion. Utilizing advanced brain imaging techniques, the research aims to identify structural brain changes in areas associated with emotion and memory, including the hippocampus and amygdala. Participants will undergo neuropsychological assessments and MR imaging to gather data on how chronic pain affects cognitive processes. The findings could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for chronic pain disorders.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 35 to 60 with a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia experiencing pain for at least six months.
Not a fit: Patients with other chronic pain conditions or significant neurological or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance diagnosis and treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain and cognitive deficits.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated significant findings regarding brain structure alterations in chronic pain, suggesting this study builds on established knowledge rather than being entirely novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (for HC and TN): * Age between 35 and 60 years old * Absence of other active major neurological or psychiatric disorders * Absence of MRI contraindications * Able to communicate sufficiently to complete tasks and questionnaires * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score greater than 23/30 (MoCA ≤23/30 could indicate severe cognitive impairment) Inclusion Criteria for TN: * Experiencing TN pain over a period of 6 months * Stable medication use * Meet established diagnostic criteria for TN (ICHD-3) Exclusion Criteria (both HC and TN): * Presence of other chronic pain/headache conditions * Untreated hypertension or diabetes mellitus * History of chronic drug or substance use disorder, chronic use of opioids or steroids, head trauma affecting cognitive performance, * History/presence of active psychiatric illness and/or current use of psychoactive medication * History of multiple sclerosis, skull base injury or tumours
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Toronto Western Hospital — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mojgan Hodaie, MD, MSc — Department of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network
- Study coordinator: Jacob Kim, BSc
- Email: jacob.kim@uhn.ca
- Phone: 4163404907
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.