Emotion and Memory in Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byMojgan Hodaie, MD, MSc

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 35 and 60 years old.

I can safely undergo an MRI scan.

I can communicate well enough to complete tasks and questionnaires.

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Treatment Details

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Trigeminal NeuralgiaExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Trigeminal Neuralgia is the most common chronic neuropathic facial pain disorder, characterized by the sudden onset of intermittent, intense, shock-like pain in distributions of the trigeminal nerve branches. TN has several unique features that distinguish it as an ideal model for the study of chronic pain: TN is largely unilateral; is severe in its nature; has stereotypical presentation among patients; and is not associated with other sensory deficits observed in other chronic pain disorders, such as numbness. Brain imaging, clinical data, and cognitive data will be prospectively collect and analyze in both healthy control and patients with trigeminal neuralgia groups. Prospective data collection for TN group includes: * MRI scan (2 timepoints; pre- and 6-month post-surgery) * Neuropsychological assessments (2 timepoints; pre- and 6-month post-surgery)

Group II: Healthy ControlsExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Brain imaging, clinical data, and cognitive data will be prospectively collect and analyze in both healthy control and patients with trigeminal neuralgia groups. Prospective data collection for control group includes: * MRI scan (1 timepoint) * Neuropsychological assessments (1 timepoint)