Use of virtual reality for epidural placement in an adolescent with ischemic priapism

In children with chronic pain conditions, the acute pain and anxiety induced by routine procedures such as dressing changes, phlebotomy, and lumbar punctures may be amplified compared to that experienced by healthy children. However, sedatives and opiates may be contraindicated if respiratory depression is a concern. In this case report, we describe a 17-year-old male with ischemic priapism secondary to sickle cell disease in whom we used virtual reality immersion as a distraction method during epidural catheter placement. No sedation or analgesia was needed, and the patient reported no pain or distress.