Mandibular nerve electrical stimulation for TMJ pain and jaw function

Transcutaneous Mandibular Nerve Electrical Stimulation for the Management of Pain and Function in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders

This trial will try percutaneous electrical stimulation of the mandibular nerve to reduce pain and improve jaw movement in people with myofascial temporomandibular disorder.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: OrigenKinesis fisioterapia (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Alcorcón, Madrid)
• Trial ID: NCT06265636 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center interventional study delivers percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) targeted to the mandibular (V3) branch of the trigeminal nerve alongside standard conservative care (manual therapy and exercise). Participants are adults diagnosed with myofascial temporomandibular disorder per RDC/TMD and limited mouth opening, without disc displacement. Outcomes include changes in pain, jaw opening, and functional measures over the treatment period. The protocol is minimally invasive and performed at an outpatient physiotherapy clinic in Alcorcón, Madrid.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with myofascial TMD diagnosed by RDC/TMD who have masticatory muscle pain and limited mouth opening (<40 mm), good general health, and who can provide written consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with temporomandibular disc displacement, recent facial/head injury, prior craniocervical surgery, degenerative neurological disease, very short symptom duration (<2 weeks), or inability to follow instructions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce jaw pain and improve mouth opening and daily function using a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.

How similar studies have performed: Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation has shown benefit in other peripheral and musculoskeletal pain conditions, but non-surgical PENS specifically targeting the mandibular nerve has not been previously reported.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with local myofascial pain and/or increased tension in the masticatory muscles.
* Patients with myofascial pain from temporomandibular disorder (TMD) at the time, diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD).
* Absence of temporomandibular disc displacement with or without reduction.
* Pain in the masticatory muscles associated with limited mouth opening (\<40mm).
* Good general health (absence of chronic diseases that may affect the temporomandibular joint or masticatory muscles).
* Written consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Injury to the face or head during the research participation.
* Undergone surgical procedures performed in the craniocervical region and degenerative neurological diseases.
* Sudden illness of the patient that prevented participation in the study.
* Will to end participation in the study.
* Less than 2 weeks of evolution.
* Inability to understand instructions or sign the informed consent.
* Minor patients.
* Regular medication, such as muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or anxiolytics
* Facial paralysis.
* Presenting a disease or infectious/inflammatory process of dental origin.

Where this trial is running

Alcorcón, Madrid

• Origenkinesis Fisioterapia — Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Hector Mardomingo Medialdea, Phd

Conditions Temporomandibular Disorder