Clinical Research Directory

Feasibility Testing of the "Face-Forward-Web" Program for Chronic Orofacial Pain

The goal of this study is to conduct a feasibility open pilot study (N=Up to 20) with exit interviews to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and credibility of the study protocol and Face-Forward-Web; a web-based mind-body intervention for adult patients with COP. Deliverables: \[1\] Adapt and refine open pilot protocol, patient recruitment, and other study materials. \[2\] Assess the feasibility, acceptability, and credibility of Face-Forward-Web and optimize the intervention methodology in preparation for a future efficacy study. This research leverages mixed methods information to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and credibility of Face-Forward-Web and optimize the intervention and study methodology in preparation for the subsequent pilot study and again later, for a pilot feasibility randomized control trial (RCT).

Treatment of Atypical Resistant Facial Pain

Facial pain in the trigeminal nerve region, which is not a migraine headache is often very persistent and difficult to treat. Research findings suggest that, similar to the mechanisms of migraine headache, the increased concentration of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays an important role in the mechanisms of facial pain. Therefore, the hypothesis is that intravenous administration of ACMP will similarly disrupt central sensitization in facial pain as it does in migraine headaches.

Prospective Register Study to Assess Eligibility for and Efficacy of Surgical Treatment in Patients With nEuRovascular Conflict

The aim of the registry is a multicenter, prospective long-term data collection of patients suspected neurovascular conflict and referred for possible microvascular decompression (Jannetta procedure). The registry relies exclusively on routinely collected clinical data, which are gathered in a standardized and privacy-compliant manner as part of everyday clinical practice. By systematically compiling this information across multiple centers, valuable insights into the effectiveness, potential side effects, and long-term outcomes of this surgical treatment can be gained. The registry will serve as a foundation for future scientific analyses and is intended to help answer relevant research questions regarding the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia based on solid evidence.

Effects of Photobiomodulation With Superpulsed Laser and Dual Wavelengths in Children and Adolescents

This randomized clinical trial evaluates the effects of photobiomodulation with a superpulsed diode laser (810 + 980 nm) on orofacial pain and tension-type headache in children and adolescents. Sixty participants will be assigned to receive active PBM or sham therapy over eight sessions. Pain and anthropometric variables will be assessed.

MRI & QST Analysis in Trigeminal Neuralgia and Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain

Patients with a definite diagnosis of classical TGN and PIFP will undergo a structured clinical questionnaire and a trigeminal sensory profile using the quantitative sensory testing. Clinical measures and sensory profiles will be correlated with MRI measures.

Emotion and Memory in Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Chronic pain affects one in four Canadians, leading to severe personal and societal costs. Over 70% of chronic pain patients report memory difficulties and fear having unexpected pain. Abnormalities in brain structures associated with emotion and memory, including the hippocampus and amygdala, can be affected by chronic pain. Understanding the relationship between chronic pain, structural brain changes, and cognitive functioning will lead to improved diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in chronic pain disorders. In this project, the investigators will use advanced brain imaging techniques that assess the structure and function of the brain along with cognitive assessments to examine the overlap between chronic pain and emotion-memory processes. The study team will conduct the study using an excellent model of chronic pain-trigeminal neuralgia, a severe form of facial pain that responds well to surgical treatment. Brain images and cognitive data will be collected from participants before and after surgical treatment for pain. This information will be analyzed and compared with age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. This study will be the first to thoroughly investigate relationships between brain structure and function, cognition (memory, emotion), and promises to impact our understanding of chronic neuropathic pain conditions.