Exploring virtual reality for managing chronic pain in TMD patients
Neural Mechanisms of Immersive Virtual Reality in Chronic Pain
NA · University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT06214923
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help people with chronic pain from temporomandibular disorder feel better compared to a fake VR experience.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 78 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 88 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Maryland, Baltimore (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06214923 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
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 severe psychiatric conditions, degenerative neuromuscular diseases, or recent facial trauma may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel, effective non-drug approach to managing chronic pain for TMD patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous 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 * 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 this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations
- 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
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.
Conditions: Pain, Virtual Reality, Placebo, Temporomandibular Disorder, TMD volunteers, VR, Clinical Pain, Ecological Momentary Assessment