Virtual Reality for Epilepsy
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether virtual reality (VR) headsets affect seizure risk in people with epilepsy. Participants will experience VR in three ways: with the display off, with the display on, and with the display on plus hand controllers. The focus is on whether using the hand controllers changes seizure risk. Individuals with epilepsy who have shown unusual brain activity during an EEG test may find this study relevant.
As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research on VR's impact on epilepsy.
What prior data suggests that virtual reality headsets are safe for individuals with epilepsy?
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) headsets are generally safe for people with epilepsy. A detailed review found a very low chance of seizures from VR when used correctly. Even for children with photosensitive epilepsy, studies indicate a low risk of seizures from watching 3D videos.
Moreover, a review of medical studies found no cases of photosensitive epilepsy triggered by VR headsets, despite their widespread use. However, a small number of people might still experience seizures when exposed to certain light patterns or flashing lights.
In summary, evidence suggests that VR headsets are well-tolerated by people with epilepsy, with a low risk of causing seizures.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using virtual reality (VR) for epilepsy because it offers a completely new way to observe and potentially influence brain activity. Unlike traditional treatments like medications or surgery, which can have significant side effects or require invasive procedures, VR provides a non-invasive method of engaging with the brain. By using a VR headset during EEG recordings, researchers hope to gather valuable data on how visual stimuli might impact seizures, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic strategies. This approach is unique because it combines cutting-edge technology with neuroscience to explore new avenues for managing epilepsy.
What evidence suggests that using virtual reality headsets is effective for epilepsy?
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) is generally safe for people with epilepsy when used correctly. A detailed review found a very low chance of VR causing seizures. Other studies indicate that even watching 3D content, which might trigger seizures in some individuals, poses low risk for those with photosensitive epilepsy (sensitivity to flashing or flickering lights). In this trial, participants in the Virtual Reality Arm will wear a VR headset during video EEG recording for three sessions, each lasting 15 minutes. Researchers have also explored VR therapy for reducing stress and anxiety in people with epilepsy, which can sometimes help control seizures. While these studies are encouraging, research continues to fully understand how VR affects epilepsy.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jared E Quast, MD
Principal Investigator
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
EEG Recording with VR
Participants wear a VR headset during continuous video EEG recording across three phases: display off, display on without hand controllers, and display on with hand controllers
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any adverse events or changes in seizure activity post-intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Virtual Reality Headset
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants wear VR headset during video EEG recording for a total of 3 sessions, each lasting 15 minutes each.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Virtual Reality Therapy for People With Epilepsy and Related ...
We describe the design of an innovative VR-ET program administered in the home that focuses on decreasing anxiety in people with epilepsy.
Pilot to Evaluate VR-Therapy on People With Epilepsy and ...
Research has also shown that Virtual Reality (VR) is an effective and helpful tool for delivering ET in a number of different types of anxiety disorders ...
Do virtual reality interventions cause seizures in the ...
The results of this systematic review demonstrate that the risk of virtual reality is minimal when utilised appropriately.
Feasibility and impact of virtual reality exposure therapy on ...
In our study, five PwE used VR a total of 74 times (training + intervention) and it was well-tolerated. There was one instance where a participant experienced ...
5.
profiles.wustl.edu
profiles.wustl.edu/en/publications/concern-of-photosensitive-seizures-evoked-by-3d-video-displays-or/Concern of photosensitive seizures evoked by 3D video ...
Studies published by pediatric epilepsy experts emphasize the low risk of 3D viewing even for children with known photosensitive epilepsy (PSE). The low ...
Concern of Photosensitive Seizures Evoked by 3D Video ...
Studies published by pediatric epilepsy experts emphasize the low risk of 3D viewing even for children with known photosensitive epilepsy (PSE).
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