The effect of virtual reality in the treatment of migraine type headaches: A prospective, controlled, multicenter clinical study

Abstract

Background & Objective: Migraine is the third most common disease and the second leading cause of neurological disability globally. Alternative treatments are needed due to the limitations of conventional medications. Virtual reality (VR) shows promise in pain management. This study evaluates the efficacy of VR technology combined with classical music as an adjunctive treatment for acute migraine in an emergency department (ED).

Methods: In a prospective, non-randomized study, 140 patients with acute migraines at two urban EDs were divided into a control group receiving intravenous dexketoprofen and an intervention group receiving the same treatment plus VR exposure using Oculus Quest 2. Pain was measured with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at various intervals. Primary outcomes were changes in VAS scores and the need for rescue medication; secondary outcomes were side effects.

Results: Of the 140 patients, 131 completed the study. The VR group exhibited significantly greater reductions in VAS scores at all time points compared to the control group (p<0.001). The need for rescue medication was also significantly lower in the VR group (p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a more rapid and sustained pain relief in the VR group.

Conclusion: The addition of VR technology to standard pharmacological treatment significantly enhances pain relief in acute migraine attacks and reduces the need for rescue medication. This suggests that VR could be a valuable adjunctive tool in the ED for managing acute migraine pain.