Using virtual reality to manage pain and anxiety during dental treatments in patients with stroke: A case series
Abstract
Dental anxiety is common post-stroke, with many patients unable to receive standard anesthetics. Virtual reality has been increasingly used to manage pain and anxiety in dentistry, though its use in individuals with stroke is largely unexplored. A case series of two patients with a history of stroke and dental anxiety was conducted at a specialized dental clinic. Patients watched 360°-virtual reality videos in a dental chair using a head-mounted display. Outcomes (patient: dental anxiety and pain, reactions to virtual reality; dental team: system usability, impact on workflow) were assessed using a standard observation tool, questionnaires, and interviews. Both patients wore virtual reality throughout the procedure and reported that the device was comfortable, provided a distraction, and had potential to reduce anxiety/pain. The dentist reported a positive impact on patient anxiety and time to complete procedures, and intends to continue using virtual reality with other stroke patients and clinical populations.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Ferulic acid regulates the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model
- Novel Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Parameters Quantify the Exposure–Effect Relationship of Levofloxacin against Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli
- Photochemical behavior of levofloxacin
- Correlation Between Dissolution Profiles of Salt-Form Drugs in Biorelevant Bicarbonate Buffer and Oral Drug Absorption: Importance of Dose/ Fluid Volume Ratio
- Evaluation of the synergistic potential and mechanisms of action for de novo designed cationic antimicrobial peptides
- Synthesis of [11C]levofloxacin
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.