RecruitingNot Applicable

Neural Mechanisms of Immersive Virtual Reality in Chronic Pain (VR TMD EEG)

United States78 participantsStarted 2024-04-09

Plain-language summary

This project examines, in chronic pain, the mechanisms of immersive virtual reality compared to the mechanisms of placebo hypoalgesia. The potential of developing new non-pharmacological premises for low-risk interventions for pain management is high.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 88 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Peak alpha frequency (PAF)

Timeframe: We will acquire 2-10 min of baseline EEG with open eyes and 2-10 min of EEG with closed eyes. This measurement will occur at each of the four in-person visit approximately every 3 weeks.

Objective incremental Celsius changes in heat-pain tolerance

Timeframe: The heat incremental changes range from 30 sec to 2 min tolerance. This measurement will occur at each of the four in-person visit approximately every 3 weeks.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06214923

SponsorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-05-30

Contact for this trial

Research Coordinator

410-706-5975 NRSCollocaLab@umaryland.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pain trials