NCT05738096 · University of Minnesota
Trigeminal Evoked Responses to Improve Rhizotomy
What this study is about
Trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) is a debilitating pain syndrome where electrical, shock- like jolts of pain affect the face.
View original scientific description
Trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) is a debilitating pain syndrome where electrical, shock- like jolts of pain affect the face. Trigeminal somatosensory evoked potentials (TSEPs) provide a promising modality for measuring the trigeminal sensory and nociceptive pathway by using peripheral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve (on the skin) and measuring low latency evoked potentials on the scalp (contralateral sensory cortex). While TSEPs have been measured in the past, it is not clear if implementing TSEPs into a routine neurosurgical rhizotomy procedure will be feasible. This is a prospective cohort study examining the feasibility of routinely performing TSEPs during rhizotomies for TGN.
Interventions
OTHER
TSEP + rhizotomy surgery
TGN patients recruited for this study will already be undergoing percutaneous rhizotomy surgery. TSEPs will be measured at baseline prior to surgery. During the rhizotomy procedure, an electrode or balloon is placed through a metal sheath to then damage the nerve. A stylet is introduced to clear tissue from the sheath in preparation for the electrode or balloon. Prior to the final insertion of the RF electrode where the gasserian ganglion will be damaged, we will place a standard stereotactic EEG electrode (SEEG). Following damaging the nerve (clinical procedure), we will record again to measure differences in the TSEPs following cell body damage. The Neuralynx system will be used to record the potentials at 40 KHz.
OTHER
TSEPs recording only
TSEPS will also be recorded from healthy controls in a lab setting; all procedures for the healthy controls will be non-invasive.
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility
Time frame: 3 years
total study procedure completion rate
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults of 18 years or older
- Scheduled to undergo percutaneous rhizotomy for facial pain
Exclusion criteria
- For TGN: Facial pain of unclear origin (i.e. not clearly TGN pain) or Rhizotomy procedure canceled
- For Healthy control: Diagnosis or history of facial pain such as TMD or TGN, History of migraine, History of any functional pain disorder: fibromyalgia, IBS, CRPS or Recent chronic pain (within last month)
Where
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Related conditions & keywords
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Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 26, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations