Virtual reality could be the next painkiller
NCT ID NCT06214923
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looks at how immersive virtual reality changes the way the brain processes chronic pain, compared to a placebo effect. Researchers will measure brain activity and pain tolerance in 78 adults with temporomandibular disorder (jaw pain). The goal is to develop new, low-risk, non-drug treatments for chronic pain.
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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 78 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2024
- Expected to finish
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Nov 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 88 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age (18-88 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)
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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
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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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
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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Luana Colloca
RECRUITINGBaltimore, Maryland, 21201-1512, United States
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University of Maryland
RECRUITINGBaltimore, Maryland, 21201-1512, United States
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