Pilot Study to Assess the Effects of Temporo-masseteric Nerve Block Injection on Jaw Muscle Function in Healthy Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the Temporo-masseteric Nerve Block TMNB injection in healthy adults aged 18 to 64 to better understand its effects on jaw muscles. The TMNB targets specific nerves supplying the temporalis and masseter muscles, which are involved in jaw closure and clenching. This pilot study aims to explore how TMNB changes bite force and muscle activity, shedding light on its potential for relieving jaw muscle pain. The study involves a single group of 20 healthy volunteers receiving a unilateral TMNB injection using 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with epinephrine. The injection targets nerve branches of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. The side of injection left or right is randomly assigned. Assessments of bite force distribution and surface electromyographic activity of the temporalis and masseter muscles will be performed before injection and at 30 minutes, 2 hours, and 2 weeks after. Participants will undergo bite force and muscle activity tests at rest and during clenching using specialized devices. They will also complete surveys about their experience with the injection on the day of treatment and again at 2 weeks. The study monitors changes over time to capture both immediate and longer-term effects. The total study duration per participant is 2 weeks, with safety and tolerability closely observed throughout.

Characterization of the Temporo-masseteric Nerve Block (TMNB) in Healthy Subjects