Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

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

This study is investigating two types of chronic facial pain: Trigeminal Neuralgia and Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain. Researchers want to understand these conditions more deeply by connecting what patients experience with detailed images of their nerves and brain. They will use a combination of questionnaires, special tests that measure how sensitive their face is (called Quantitative Sensory Testing), and MRI scans. By looking at these different pieces of information, the study hopes to find clearer links between the symptoms of facial pain and what's happening within the body, particularly around the trigeminal nerve. This could help improve how these painful conditions are understood and potentially treated in the future.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

11 Nov 2021

Estimated completion

17 Jul 2024

Facial Pain

What is this study about?

This study is designed to understand two types of long-term facial pain that can be very difficult to live with: Trigeminal Neuralgia (TGN) and Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain (PIFP). Trigeminal Neuralgia often causes sudden, severe, shock-like pain in the face, while Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain is a constant, nagging pain without a clear cause. Researchers want to find out more about what causes these pains and how they affect people.

To do this, they will be looking at two main things. First, they'll ask you to fill out a detailed questionnaire about your pain and how it affects your daily life. They'll also perform something called Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). This is a safe and gentle way to check how sensitive different parts of your face are to touch, temperature, or mild pressure. It helps them build a 'sensory profile' of your facial nerves.

The second part involves having an MRI scan. This is a special scan that takes detailed pictures of your brain and nerves. The researchers will be particularly interested in the trigeminal nerve, which is a major nerve in the face linked to these pain conditions. They will look to see if the nerve is being pressed by a blood vessel – something often seen in Trigeminal Neuralgia – and also measure the size and shape of the nerve itself. By comparing all these different pieces of information – your answers, your sensory test results, and your MRI scans – the study hopes to find new connections and clues about these types of facial pain.

Key takeaways

Study focuses on severe facial pain: Trigeminal Neuralgia & Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain.
Uses questionnaires, special sensitivity tests, and MRI scans.
Goal is to link pain symptoms with nerve/brain changes.
Participation involves a few appointments, no medication.
Helps advance understanding for future treatments.
You can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who have been officially diagnosed with either classical Trigeminal Neuralgia or Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain. Your diagnosis must meet the very latest medical definitions from 2020. It's important that you haven't had any surgery for your facial pain before, as this could affect the study results.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have other major long-term painful conditions or other nerve problems, this study might not be right for you. Also, if your facial pain is due to another known medical condition (this is called Secondary Trigeminal Neuralgia) or if you have a different type of facial pain syndrome, you wouldn't be eligible.

Finally, if you have any difficulties with your thinking or memory, the study might not be suitable, as you'll need to be able to understand and answer the questionnaires fully. If you're unsure whether you fit the criteria, it's always best to discuss it with your doctor.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have I been diagnosed with classical Trigeminal Neuralgia or Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain?
Have I ever had surgery for my facial pain?
Do I have any other major painful conditions or nerve diseases?
Is my facial pain caused by another identifiable medical condition?
Do I have any difficulty with my thinking or memory?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have a few key appointments. Firstly, you will complete a detailed questionnaire about your facial pain and how it impacts your life. Secondly, you will undergo Quantitative Sensory Testing, which involves a series of non-invasive tests to measure the sensitivity of your face to different sensations, like light touch or temperature changes. Finally, you will have an MRI scan, which is a painless procedure that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of your nerves and brain. All these assessments typically take place during a single visit or a small number of visits within a short period. There is no medication given as part of this study, and no long-term follow-up is specified beyond these initial assessments. The total duration of your active participation will likely be contained within these initial appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include helping researchers better understand facial pain conditions like Trigeminal Neuralgia and Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain. This information could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for future patients. There are no direct personal medical benefits listed for participating. Potential risks are generally low; the MRI scan involves lying still in an enclosed space, which some people find uncomfortable, and Quantitative Sensory Testing is non-invasive and safe. You will be able to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

It's a condition causing sudden, severe, electric shock-like pain in the face, often triggered by simple actions like touching, eating, or even a breeze.

What is Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain?

This is a continuous, nagging facial pain that doesn't have a clear cause or explanation.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI is a safe scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including nerves and brain.

What is Quantitative Sensory Testing?

This is a special test that gently measures how sensitive your face is to different things like touch and temperature.

Will taking part improve my pain?

While this study helps us learn more about facial pain, it's not designed to directly treat your pain, so there's no guarantee it will make you feel better.