Exploring virtual reality for managing chronic pain in TMD patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project investigates how immersive virtual reality (VR) can alleviate chronic pain in individuals with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) compared to a placebo effect. The study will analyze both behavioral and neural responses to active VR and sham VR interventions over three-week periods. Participants will be monitored for changes in pain levels and neural activity, specifically focusing on the modulation of pain through endogenous opioids. The goal is to develop low-risk, non-pharmacological pain management strategies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age (18-88 years)
* English speaker (written and spoken)
* Temporal Mandibular Disorder (TMD) for at least 3 months
* TMD Grade Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) ≥ 0

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 (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 Antipsychotics (e.g., Risperdal, Ability and clozaril)Lifetime alcohol/drug dependence or alcohol/drug abuse in past 3 months
* Pregnancy or breast feeding
* Color-blindness
* Impaired or uncorrected hearing
* Non-dominant hand
* Any facial trauma that has occurred in the last 6 weeks
* History of a severe facial trauma in the last 2-3 months
* Conditions that would interfere with the VR mask placement (e.g. trauma, burn, infection)
* Known history of severe motion sickness
* Non-removable head cover, artificial hair, certain types of braids or dreadlocks
* History of fainting
* History of angioedema
* Failed drug test (testing for opiates, cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines)

Where it's running

• Luana Colloca
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
• University of Maryland
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Research Coordinator
• Email: NRSCollocaLab@umaryland.edu
• Phone: 410-706-5975

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.