Virtual Reality Treatment of Severe Neuropathic Pain in an Adolescent Child: A Case Report

Abstract

We describe virtual reality (VR) used as an effective intervention to treat severe chronic neuropathic pain in an otherwise healthy adolescent boy. The patient presented with severe pain and allodynia in the right foot after calcaneus extension surgery. Multiple medical and psychological interventions were unsuccessful over 3 years, with the pain leading the patient to drop out of school. VR gaming intervention provided the patient with significant pain relief and substantial improvement in functionality. This case report details the VR intervention and its effect on the patient's severe, medically refractory pain syndrome.