An Exploratory EEG Analysis on the Effects of Virtual Reality in People with Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury

Sensors, 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/s22072629 · Published: March 29, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study explores the use of virtual reality (VR) as a potential treatment for neuropathic pain in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It investigates whether VR use is associated with changes in brain activity patterns, specifically using electroencephalography (EEG). The research compares EEG activity across three conditions: a resting state, a 2D screen task, and a 3D VR task. The goal is to determine if VR can shift brain activity away from patterns associated with neuropathic pain. The study found that 3D VR was associated with increased delta activity and decreased theta activity in frontal brain regions, along with changes in alpha and gamma wave power. These findings suggest VR may have therapeutic potential for neuropathic pain in SCI patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

17 adults with SCI and known NP were recruited

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
There was an increase in delta activity in frontal regions for 3D VR with a decrease in theta activity.
2
There was also a consistent decrease in relative alpha band (8–12 Hz) and an increase in low gamma (30–45 Hz) power during 2D screen and 3D VR corresponding, with reduced self-reported pain.
3
Using the nonlinear and non-oscillatory method of extracting fractal dimensions, we found increases in brain complexity during 2D screen and 3D VR.

Research Summary

This study investigates the impact of virtual reality (VR) on neuropathic pain (NP) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) by analyzing changes in brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG). The results indicate that 3D VR is associated with specific changes in EEG patterns, including increased delta activity and decreased theta activity in frontal regions, as well as alterations in alpha and gamma wave power. These changes correlate with reduced self-reported pain. The study also found increases in brain complexity, as measured by fractal dimensions, during both 2D screen and 3D VR tasks, suggesting a potential normalization of the thalamocortical system. An artificial neural network (ANN) analysis demonstrated that brain activity during 3D VR is distinct and can be classified with reasonable accuracy.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic intervention

VR applications can be used as a therapeutic intervention for neuropathic pain in people with SCI.

Understanding mechanisms

The study contributes to understanding the neural mechanisms responsible for VR-associated pain relief.

Rehabilitation strategies

The findings can inform the development of new rehabilitation strategies utilizing VR technology.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not examine post-VR session effects.
2
The study only utilized 32 channels, and the recommended electrode density is at least 64 channels
3
A larger study should also examine different baseline pain intensity levels to test whether this intervention can be used in people with high levels of pain.

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