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Virtual Reality Rehabilitation for a Post-ICU Hospitalized Patient With a Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single-Patient
Jaylyn Aragon1, Savanna Monson1, Nathan Oh2
1Health Science Program, California State University Channel Islands, >Camarillo, California, USA.
Purpose:
Visual impairment is common in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Virtual reality (VR) technology offers potential for acute rehabilitation by improving engagement and providing real-time feedback. This single-patient case report explores the feasibility and preliminary effects of VR for eye rehabilitation in a hospitalized, post-ICU acute TBI patient.
Method:
A mid-30s male with TBI participated in six sessions of the VR scenario "Beach Stroll." Each session lasted up to six minutes and was conducted at the patient's bedside. The VR setup included an HTC Vive Pro Eye headset, which provided real-time feedback on eye fixation. Data on blood pressure, heart rate, pain, and anxiety were collected before and after each session. Patient feedback was also documented.
Finding:
Patient reported that the VR sessions reduced anxiety and increased comfort. The patient described the experience as "the coolest thing I've done here [in the hospital]," with "really soothing" sounds and "low stimulation." Objective measures showed stable or decreased blood pressure and heart rate and decreased pain and anxiety across sessions.
Conclusion:
The positive trends observed in this novel single-patient case report suggest the feasibility and acceptability of brief VR eye-tracking rehabilitation in the acute post-ICU hospital setting for a patient with TBI.
