An Open Label Study Assessing REN Treatment in Headache Management in Temporomandibular Disorders
Condition(s) studied
Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)
Nerivio treatment: Nerivio, a Remote electrical neuromodulation (REN) device. The device delivers transcutaneous electrical stimulation to the upper arm to induce conditioned pain modulation (CPM) that activates a descending endogenous analgesic mechanism. The treatment is self-administered and controlled by a smartphone application.
Study summary
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) encompass a group of conditions involving the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and associated structures. TMD is the most common cause of non-odontogenic orofacial pain and is the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal condition. Up to 70% of the general population experiences signs and/or symptoms of TMD, with headache presenting as one of the most common manifestations. Recent studies highlight the comorbid presence of headache and TMD, hypothesizing that a relationship likely exists between the two conditions. Headache severity has also been associated with the number of TMD symptoms such that the prevalence of headache in TMD patients. A key mechanism underlying both TMD and migraine is the deficiency in Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM), a descending inhibitory pathway that regulates pain processing. CPM impairment has been implicated in chronic pain states, including both migraine and TMD, contributing to their frequent co-occurrence and shared pathophysiology.
Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN) is an emerging non-pharmacological intervention that exerts its analgesic effects by activating the CPM system, which is deficient in individuals with TMD and migraine. The Nerivio REN wearable device is FDA-cleared for acute and/or migraine prevention, in patients 8 years of age or older. Given the evidence linking CPM dysfunction to TMD pathogenesis, REN presents a promising therapeutic approach to addressing both the underlying pain dysregulation and symptom burden in affected patients.
Eligibility
Primary outcome measure(s)
- Change in daily maximum-pain level — 10 weeks
The change in daily maximum orofacial pain level, by comparing the average daily maximum-pain level in the 4 weeks of the baseline phase (weeks 1-4) to the last 4 weeks of the intervention phase (weeks 7-10), measured by Numeric Rating Scale score (NRS, 0-10). Pain level will be taken from any of the orofacial locations specified in the daily diary (jaw, head, neck, ear, eye, face, teeth), as reported in a daily diary, through a study specific smartphone application. Numeric Rating Scale score is on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain),
Trial sites (4)
| Facility | City | Region | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pain and sleep therapy center | Newark | Delaware | Recruiting |
| Proven Endpoints | Ridgeland | Mississippi | Recruiting |
| True North neurology | Commack | New York | Recruiting |
| Gershon Pain Specialists | Virginia Beach | Virginia | Recruiting |
More Theranica trials in the USA
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
View NCT07639944 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ ← All trials in the USA