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VR TMD EEG: Virtual Reality for Chronic Pain

This study is exploring how immersive virtual reality (VR) might help people with chronic Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) pain. Researchers want to understand the brain mechanisms behind pain relief from VR. You could be eligible if you are 18-88 years old, speak English, and have had TMD for at least 3 months. Participants will either use the RelieVRx device, a Sham-VR device (which looks like VR but isn't immersive), or continue their usual care without VR. Success in this study will be measured by changes in brain activity (Peak alpha frequency or PAF) and how well participants tolerate heat pain. The study's current status is unclear, with a planned enrollment of 78 people.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 78 participants. It compares three groups: RelieVRx, Sham-VR, and a usual care group.
What's involved
Participants will use a VR device daily for 20 minutes over 3 weeks. You will also have four in-person visits, approximately every 3 weeks, for measurements.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Measurements for primary endpoints will occur at each of the four in-person visits, approximately every 3 weeks.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06214923

Neural Mechanisms of Immersive Virtual Reality in Chronic Pain (VR TMD EEG)

Recruiting
NAAges 18–88InterventionalBasic science
University of Maryland, Baltimore
~78 participants
Updated 2026-07-07 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:RelieVRxSham-VRNo-VR (natural history control)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Peak alpha frequency (PAF)
Measured over We will acquire 2-10 min of baseline EEG with open eyes and 2-10 min of EEG with closed eyes. This measurement will occur at each of the four in-person visit approximately every 3 weeks.
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Pain
Virtual Reality
Placebo
Temporomandibular Disorder

Explore related trials

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Where it's being run

2 sites across 1 states
Maryland2

Who to contact

Research Coordinator
[email protected]
410-706-5975
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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)

What this trial measures

  • Peak alpha frequency (PAF)We will acquire 2-10 min of baseline EEG with open eyes and 2-10 min of EEG with closed eyes. This measurement will occur at each of the four in-person visit approximately every 3 weeks.

    EEG response PAF when participants are undergoing the in-person VR

  • Objective incremental Celsius changes in heat-pain toleranceThe heat incremental changes range from 30 sec to 2 min tolerance. This measurement will occur at each of the four in-person visit approximately every 3 weeks.

    Heat pain tolerance to incremental change in temperature will be obtained using a timer (minutes of tolerance)