Virtual Reality for Chronic Dizziness
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the use of virtual reality (VR) to treat chronic dizziness, a condition that complicates daily life with symptoms like dizziness and vertigo. The researchers aim to determine if VR can enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), systematic desensitization exposure response prevention (SDERP), and biofeedback (BFB). The trial seeks participants with chronic dizziness due to conditions like persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) or vestibular migraine (VM) who have not yet tried these therapies. Participants should not have a history of seizures or certain mental health issues. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how VR treatment works in people, offering participants a chance to explore this innovative approach.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this virtual reality treatment is safe for chronic dizziness?
Research shows that virtual reality (VR) has been safely used to treat dizziness and balance problems. Studies have found that VR is safe for people with balance-related disorders, similar to those in this trial. VR is already used successfully in treatments that help people regain balance and reduce dizziness.
One study examined people with multiple sclerosis and balance issues and found that VR was well-tolerated. However, because VR is immersive, it might slightly increase the risk of falls, so caution is important to avoid accidents.
Overall, using VR in this context is considered safe and has improved symptoms in similar conditions.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Researchers are excited about using virtual reality (VR) for chronic dizziness because it introduces a fresh approach by integrating VR exercises with traditional therapies like biofeedback, systematic desensitization, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Unlike other treatments that often rely solely on medication or physical therapy, this approach immerses patients in controlled virtual environments to help retrain their balance and reduce symptoms. The innovative use of VR offers a dynamic and interactive method to engage patients, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of existing therapies and providing a more engaging experience.
What evidence suggests that virtual reality is effective for chronic dizziness?
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can assist individuals with dizziness caused by balance system issues. Although VR has not been specifically tested for persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) or chronic dizziness, it has shown promise in similar conditions. In this trial, participants will engage in virtual reality exercises alongside standard-of-care treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, and systematic desensitization exposure response prevention (SDERP). VR immerses users in lifelike visual settings, which may help reset the brain's balance system. By using VR, the researchers aim to better treat dizziness by targeting one of its main triggers: visual cues.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jacob R Brodsky, MD
Principal Investigator
Boston Children's Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adolescents experiencing chronic dizziness, including conditions like persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) and vestibular migraine. Participants should have a history of dizziness affecting their daily life.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo virtual reality exercises in conjunction with biofeedback, systematic desensitization exposure response prevention, and cognitive behavioral therapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Long-term monitoring
Participants complete various questionnaires and assessments to evaluate the impact of treatment on dizziness, anxiety, and quality of life
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Virtual Reality
Trial Overview
The study tests if Virtual Reality (VR), combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, systematic desensitization exposure response prevention, and biofeedback therapy can help recalibrate the brain's processing of balance cues to treat chronic dizziness.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
This group will undergo virtual reality exercises in conjunction with the standard-of-care biofeedback, systematic desensitization exposure response prevention, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Boston Children's Hospital
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Effectiveness of virtual reality-based programs as vestibular ...
Virtual reality has a potential clinical benefit for vestibular rehabilitation in peripheral vestibular dysfunction compared with conventional vestibular ...
Clinical application of virtual reality for vestibular ...
Numerous researchers have expanded the indications for VRT by proving its efficacy in patients with dizziness from various pathologies, not ...
Virtual Reality and Biofeedback for Adolescents With ...
VR has not been explicitly described in the treatment of PPPD or chronic dizziness, but it has been piloted, and shown to be effective, in the ...
Comparison of the effectiveness
A. 16-year cross-sectional study reported that approximately. 60,060/805,454 patients experienced falls due to symptomatic dizziness or PVD, ...
Effectiveness of virtual reality therapy in chronic unilateral ...
According to the results of our study, virtual reality treatment has no superiority over dizziness. Verdecchia et al.[18] did not use a ...
Feasibility and safety of an immersive virtual reality-based ...
This protocol describes a parallel-arm, pilot randomised controlled trial, with blinded assessments, in 30 patients with MS with vestibular impairment.
Clinical application of virtual reality for vestibular ...
The isolated environment created by fully immersive virtual reality during exercises could increase the risk of falls or other accidents, ...
Exploring Vestibular Rehabilitation and the Promising Role ...
VR technology is a game-changer in vestibular rehabilitation. It offers an engaging, realistic, and cost-effective way to improve symptoms and enhance the ...
Virtual reality for vestibular rehabilitation
VR has been shown to be safe in persons with dizziness and balance problems. Persons with vestibular disorders and older adults10 will have an increase in ...
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.