Zapping the brain to stop face pain: new hope for sufferers
NCT ID NCT07352384
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS or TMS) can reduce chronic orofacial pain—pain in the face, mouth, or jaw that lasts more than 3 months. About 50 adults who haven't gotten enough relief from standard treatments will receive either real stimulation or a sham (placebo) over two weeks. Researchers will measure pain levels, chewing function, and quality of life to see if this approach offers a safe, drug-free option for pain control.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2025
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
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 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: Participants between 18 and 75 years old. * Diagnosis of Chronic Orofacial Pain: Patients with persistent orofacial pain for more than 3 months, confirmed using DC/TMD or other validated diagnostic criteria. * Pain Intensity: Baseline score on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ≥ 4 (moderate to severe pain). * Treatment History: Patients who have previously tried at least one conventional treatment (e.g., medication or physiotherapy) with limited or no success. * Cognitive Ability: Participants cognitively able to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent. * Stable Medication Regimen: Stable chronic pain medication for at least four weeks prior to the intervention. Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological Disorders: History of epilepsy, seizures, or other neurological disorders that contraindicate TMS or tDCS. * Implanted Medical Devices: Presence of pacemakers, cochlear implants, or other electronic/metallic devices in the head or neck region. * Pregnancy: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, due to potential risks. * Psychiatric Disorders: Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, unstable major depression) that may interfere with study adherence. * Substance Abuse: Current or recent history (within the last 6 months) of alcohol or substance abuse. * Active Medical Conditions: Active infections or untreated systemic diseases that may interfere with results. * TMJ Surgery: History of recent temporomandibular joint surgery or invasive dental procedures (within the last 3 months). * Contraindications for TMS/tDCS: Sensitivity, intolerance, or inability to tolerate the neuromodulation device. * Participation in Another Study: Simultaneous or recent (within the last 3 months) participation in another clinical trial.
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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 places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Egas Moniz School of Health and Science
Almada, Setúbal District, 2825-148, Portugal
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