Measuring nerve responses during facial pain treatment

Trigeminal Evoked Responses to Improve Rhizotomy

University of Minnesota · NCT05269472

This study is testing how nerve responses change in people with trigeminal neuralgia before and after a specific pain treatment to better understand the effects of the procedure.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota (other)
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05269472 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess somatosensory evoked responses in patients undergoing percutaneous rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia. The study will measure these responses at two locations: the contralateral scalp using EEG and at the gasserian ganglion with an FDA-approved electrode. By analyzing these responses before and after the rhizotomy procedure, the study seeks to enhance understanding of the electrophysiological changes associated with trigeminal neuralgia treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older scheduled for percutaneous rhizotomy due to facial pain from trigeminal neuralgia.

Not a fit: Patients with facial pain of unclear origin or those whose rhizotomy procedure has been canceled may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the understanding of trigeminal neuralgia treatment and potentially lead to better management strategies for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is observational and may build on existing knowledge, similar studies have not been widely reported, indicating a novel exploration in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (TGN):

* Adults of 18 years or older
* Scheduled to undergo percutaneous rhizotomy for facial pain

Exclusion Criteria (TGN):

* Facial pain of unclear origin (i.e. not clearly TGN pain)
* Rhizotomy procedure canceled

Inclusion Criteria (Healthy controls)

* Adults of 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria (Healthy Controls)

* Diagnosis or history of facial pain such as TMD or TGN
* History of migraine
* History of any functional pain disorder: fibromyalgia, IBS, CRPS
* Recent chronic pain (within last month)
* Unwilling to participate for two hours in lab
* Current acute pain

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Trigeminal Neuralgia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.