Brain scans reveal hidden impact of jaw pain

NCT ID NCT07259902

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study will use fMRI brain scans to see if long-term jaw pain (TMJ disorder) causes changes in the brain. Researchers will compare brain activity in 60 patients with chronic TMJ pain. The goal is to understand how pain and related anxiety or depression might alter brain structure, which could lead to better treatments in the future.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to
If successful, this could reveal how chronic TMJ pain changes the brain, pointing toward more targeted treatments for pain and related psychological distress.
What could go wrong
This is an early observational study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Previous research on this topic has been inconclusive.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Milan

    Milan, Italy

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.