Exploring Virtual Reality for Chronic Pain Relief
Neural Mechanisms of Immersive Virtual Reality in Chronic Pain
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help people with chronic jaw pain feel better by comparing real VR experiences to fake ones.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 259 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 88 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT04851301 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates how immersive virtual reality (VR) can alleviate chronic pain, specifically in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The study compares the effects of active VR against sham VR to understand the underlying neural mechanisms and the role of endogenous opioids in pain modulation. Participants will be recruited from a pre-existing cohort and will undergo various interventions, including VR and naloxone, to assess their pain responses. The goal is to develop low-risk, non-pharmacological interventions for effective pain management.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-88 with a diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder lasting at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients with significant psychiatric conditions, degenerative neuromuscular diseases, or those currently using certain medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel, non-drug method for managing chronic pain, reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using virtual reality for pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age (18-88 years) * English speaker (written and spoken) * Temporal Mandibular Disorder (TMD) for at least 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * Present or past degenerative neuromuscular disease * Cardiovascular, neurological diseases, pulmonary abnormalities, kidney disease, liver disease, history of cancer within past 3 years * Cervical pain other than TMD related (e.g. stenosis, radiculopathy) * Any personal (or family first degree) history of mania, schizophrenia, or other psychoses * Severe psychiatric condition (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, autism) leading to hospitalization within the last 3 years. * Use of antidepressants, ADHD medication, non-over-the-counter painkillers, methadone, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and/or narcotics during the past 3 months * Lifetime alcohol/drug dependence or alcohol/drug abuse in the past 3 months * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Color-blindness * Pain in jaw or temple in last 3 months due to toothache or infection * Any facial trauma that has occurred in the last 6 weeks * History of severe facial trauma in the last 3 months * Impaired or uncorrected hearing * Conditions that would interfere with the VR mask placement (e.g. trauma, burn, infection) * Known history of severe motion sickness * High blood pressure or symptomatic low blood pressure * History of fainting * History of angioedema * Failed drug test (testing for opiates, cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines, and THC)
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Luana Colloca — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Luana Colloca, MD/PhD/MS — University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing
- Study coordinator: Research Coordinator
- Email: NRSCollocaLab@umaryland.edu
- Phone: 410-706-5975
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.