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Do virtual reality interventions cause seizures in the critically ill? A rapid review
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Do virtual reality interventions cause seizures in the critically ill? A rapid review

Adrian Goldsworthy, Mohd Fairuz Shiratuddin, Oystein Tronstad, John F. Fraser, Matthew Olsen, Lotti Tajouri and Kok Wai Wong
Australian critical care, Vol.38(4), 101231
2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2025.101231
PMID: 40215862
Appears in  Open Access via Read & Publish Agreements
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CC BY V4.0,  Open Access

Abstract

Adverse event Critical Care Epilepsy Intensive care Photosensitivity Seizure Virtual Reality
Objectives The objective of this research was to investigate if the use of virtual reality, increasingly utilised within intensive care medicine due to its demonstrated benefits in improving pain and anxiety, has been reported to result in seizures. Review method used A rapid systematic review and synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data was performed. Data sources Five databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL) were systematically searched. An additional gray literature search was also conducted. Articles were restricted to those published on or after January 1st, 2014. Review methods The number of participants, virtual reality sessions, and length of sessions was undertaken. Subgroup analysis was undertaken for both adult and paediatric patient populations. An additional subgroup analysis was undertaken on articles which did not exclude individuals with a history of epilepsy. A tailored risk-of-bias assessment was conducted. Results Of the 563 articles identified through database and gray literature searching, 27 articles met inclusion criteria. A total of 886 patients have been reported within the literature with a combined 1843 virtual reality sessions, totalling more than 614.64 h of virtual reality. No seizures have been reported within intensive care patients receiving virtual reality interventions. Conclusions Historically, individuals with a history of epilepsy and photosensitivity have been commonly excluded from interventions and clinical trials involving virtual reality. The results of this systematic review demonstrate that the risk of virtual reality is minimal when utilised appropriately. A history of photosensitivity or epilepsy should not constitute an absolute contraindication for the use of virtual reality. Instead, clinicians should utilise clinical judgement when evaluating a patient's risk and ensure that appropriate visual experiences are utilised which do not unnecessarily strobe the patient.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Citation topics
1 Clinical & Life Sciences
1.43 Anesthesiology
1.43.1186 Pediatric Pain Management
Web Of Science research areas
Critical Care Medicine
Nursing
ESI research areas
Clinical Medicine
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