Neural Mechanisms of Immersive Virtual Reality in Chronic Pain
Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE · Apr 14, 2021
Trial Information
Current as of July 22, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is investigating how immersive virtual reality (VR) can help manage chronic pain, specifically for people suffering from Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). The study aims to understand how VR works to relieve pain compared to a placebo, which is a treatment that has no active therapeutic effect. By exploring these mechanisms, researchers hope to find new, safer ways to manage pain without relying on medications.
To join the study, you need to be between 18 and 88 years old, speak English, and have experienced TMD for at least three months. However, there are certain health conditions that would exclude you from participating, such as severe psychiatric disorders, recent facial trauma, or certain diseases affecting your nervous system or vital organs. If you qualify, you'll have the chance to experience VR sessions designed to help reduce your pain, while also contributing to important research that could lead to better pain management options in the future.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Age (18-88 years)
- • English speaker (written and spoken)
- • Temporal Mandibular Disorder (TMD) for at least 3 months
- 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 other than TMD related (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 antidepressants, ADHD medication, non-over-the-counter painkillers, methadone, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and/or narcotics during the past 3 months
- • Lifetime alcohol/drug dependence or alcohol/drug abuse in the past 3 months
- • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- • Color-blindness
- • Pain in jaw or temple in last 3 months due to toothache or infection
- • Any facial trauma that has occurred in the last 6 weeks
- • History of severe facial trauma in the last 3 months
- • Impaired or uncorrected hearing
- • Conditions that would interfere with the VR mask placement (e.g. trauma, burn, infection)
- • Known history of severe motion sickness
- • High blood pressure or symptomatic low blood pressure
- • History of fainting
- • History of angioedema
- • Failed drug test (testing for opiates, cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines, and THC)
About University Of Maryland, Baltimore
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is a leading academic institution dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative research and clinical trials. As a prominent sponsor of clinical studies, UMB leverages its extensive resources and expertise across various disciplines, including medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and social work, to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and improve patient outcomes. Committed to ethical research practices and collaboration, UMB fosters an environment that promotes the translation of scientific knowledge into real-world applications, ultimately enhancing the well-being of diverse populations.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Luana Colloca, MD/PhD/MS
Principal Investigator
University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported
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