Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Identification of Possible Trigeminal Neuralgia

Imagine a sudden, electric shock of pain in your face – that could be trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Sometimes, this pain is confused with toothache, leading to delays in getting the right help. This study is about testing a new questionnaire, called IDTN, designed to pick up signs of TN earlier. Researchers want to see how well it helps doctors and dentists spot TN among people with facial pain. The goal is to make sure people with TN get a correct diagnosis and specialist care sooner, preventing unnecessary dental work and improving their treatment journey. Participants will fill out the IDTN questionnaire and then have their usual specialist check-up.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

250

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 May 2027

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)Orofacial Pain Dental Pain Questionnaire

What is this study about?

You know how sometimes a pain in your face might feel like a toothache, but it’s actually something different? There’s a condition called trigeminal neuralgia (TN) which causes very sharp, sudden, and often shocking pains in the face. It's often mistaken for dental problems, which can mean people go through unnecessary dental treatments or wait a long time to get the right diagnosis.

This study is looking at a new questionnaire, called IDTN (which stands for 'IDentification of possible Trigeminal Neuralgia'). This questionnaire has been created with help from patients, dentists, and experts to cover all the key signs of TN, like the type of pain, where it is, and what might trigger it. The main aim is to see if this questionnaire can help dentists and doctors in general practice recognise TN more quickly and easily.

The researchers want to find out how accurate the IDTN questionnaire is at spotting people who might have TN, compared to a specialist doctor's diagnosis. They also want to work out the best way to use the questionnaire to create a simple screening tool. This could mean that in the future, if you visit your dentist or GP with facial pain, a quick questionnaire could help them decide if you need to see a specialist for TN much sooner.

Key takeaways

Study tests new questionnaire (IDTN) for facial pain.
Aims for earlier diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia (TN).
May prevent unnecessary dental treatments.
Participation involves filling out a questionnaire before your appointment.
No change to your usual medical care.
Your input could help improve future diagnoses for others.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You also need to be visiting the facial pain or oral surgery clinics at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) for your very first appointment for facial or mouth pain, referred by your local doctor or dentist.

Unfortunately, you can't join if you're not currently experiencing facial or mouth pain. You also need to be able to understand English well enough to complete the questionnaire and give your permission to take part. Finally, you need to have enough time before your appointment to read about the study and complete the questionnaire.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having your first appointment for facial or mouth pain at UCLH?
Were you referred to the clinic by your GP or dentist?
Are you able to read and understand English well enough to fill out a questionnaire?
Do you have enough time before your appointment to complete a short questionnaire?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first be asked to fill in the IDTN questionnaire. You can do this either online through a secure link before your appointment, or on paper or a tablet when you arrive for your appointment. The questionnaire has 15 questions.

After you've completed the questionnaire, you will have your usual specialist appointment, just as you would normally. The doctor seeing you won't know your answers to the questionnaire during your consultation. Later, the research team will compare your questionnaire responses with the final diagnosis your specialist gives you.

Some people may also be asked to complete the questionnaire a second time a few days later. This helps the researchers check if the questionnaire answers are consistent over time. Overall, taking part in this study won't add much extra time to your total visit, beyond filling out the questionnaire itself.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study is very low risk as it's just about filling out a questionnaire; it won't change your usual medical care or treatment. A potential benefit is that your contribution could help develop a tool that improves how trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed in the future, helping others get faster, more accurate care. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) - Eastman Dental Hospital
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is trigeminal neuralgia?

It's a condition causing sudden, severe, shock-like pain in the face, often mistaken for toothache.

What is the IDTN questionnaire?

It's a new set of questions designed to help doctors and dentists identify possible trigeminal neuralgia earlier.

Will taking part affect my treatment?

No, taking part will not change the medical care or treatment you receive.

How long will it take to complete the questionnaire?

The questionnaire has 15 questions and should not take long to complete, generally less than 15 minutes.

Can I change my mind about taking part?

Yes, you can decide to stop participating at any time, and it won't affect your treatment.

How to find out more

Joanna M Zakrzewska, MD

jzakrzewska@nhs.net +44 020 3456 1195 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.