Botox beyond the face: could jaw injections ease synkinesis?
NCT ID NCT07295288
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether adding Botox injections to the jaw (masseter) and temple (temporalis) muscles can improve symptoms of facial synkinesis—a condition where facial muscles move involuntarily after nerve injury. Fifty adults will receive standard Botox treatment alone or with extra injections into these non-facial muscles, using a crossover design so each person acts as their own control. The goal is to see if this approach reduces unwanted movements, headaches, and jaw tightness.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple addition to standard Botox treatment to better manage unwanted facial movements and related jaw pain or headaches.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study (50 people) testing an off-label use. The added benefit may be small or not apply to everyone, and there is a risk of temporary muscle weakness.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \> 18 years. * Current diagnosis of facial synkinesis due to facial nerve paralysis/paresis. * Scheduled to undergo BT injection for management of facial synkinesis. * Have undergone \> 3 prior BT injection sessions at VUMC for facial synkinesis. * Able to read and understand English. * Symptoms of neck tightness, jaw tightness, or headaches. Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairment that would preclude the ability to provide informed consent * Unable to read text on a written survey or computer screen
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
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