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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
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Real-time Video Projection in an MRI for Characterization of Neural Correlates Associated with Mirror Therapy for Phantom Limb Pain
Published on: April 20, 2019
Using mirror visual feedback and virtual reality to treat fibromyalgia
V S Ramachandran1, Elizabeth L Seckel
1Center for Brain and Cognition, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. vramacha@ucsd.edu
Medical Hypotheses
|August 10, 2010
Summary
Mirror visual feedback significantly reduced pain in a fibromyalgia patient. This non-invasive technique, alongside VR and ketamine, shows promise for managing chronic fibromyalgia pain and understanding its mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Management
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition with symptoms exacerbated by stress.
- Severe pain can induce dissociative states, a potential evolutionary defense mechanism.
- Dissociative experiences are also noted with psychoactive drugs like ketamine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of mirror visual feedback (MVF) for alleviating chronic fibromyalgia pain.
- To explore the potential of non-invasive dissociative techniques for pain management.
Main Methods:
- A single fibromyalgia patient was treated using non-invasive mirror visual feedback.
- Pain ratings were recorded over 15 trials using a 1-10 scale.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced a significant decrease in lower limb pain ratings.
- Preliminary data suggest MVF is effective in reducing fibromyalgia-associated pain.
Conclusions:
- Non-invasive dissociative anesthetics, including VR goggles, ketamine, and MVF, may offer new avenues for fibromyalgia treatment.
- Further research is needed to understand how external visual feedback influences the perception of internal pain signals.
