Virtual Reality for Pain Control—Virtual or Real?

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) technology creates a sense of immersion in a virtual environment analogous to the real world. VR has increasingly gained attention for pain management based on current evidence demonstrating its analgesic effects in certain experimental, acute and chronic pain conditions. VR-based interventions shift the users’ attention towards active cognitive processing that can lead to higher pain threshold or tolerance. An understanding of neurobiological mechanisms underlying analgesic effects of VR will definitely facilitate optimal utility of this tool for pain control.

Effect of Virtual Reality During Periodontal Treatment of Patients with Anxiety

“…VR has gained increasing attention for pain management based on current evidence demonstrating its analgesic effects in certain experimental acute and chronic pain conditions. (7,8) VR-based interventions shift the users' attention towards active cognitive processing that can lead to higher pain threshold or tolerance and allow the user to interact with a simulated computer environment. (7,9,10) The human brain can deal with a limited number of details; therefore, if the VR program is more complicated, it will be more effective in reducing pain.…”

“…(7,8) VR-based interventions shift the users' attention towards active cognitive processing that can lead to higher pain threshold or tolerance and allow the user to interact with a simulated computer environment. (7,9,10) The human brain can deal with a limited number of details; therefore, if the VR program is more complicated, it will be more effective in reducing pain. (11) The results of studies on the use of VR in dental treatments are contradictory; (12)(13)(14)(15) in most studies, it has been recommended to use VR to reduce anxiety during treatment.…”