Using virtual reality to help patients with minimal consciousness awaken
Feasibility Study of Virtual Reality to Promote the Awakening of Patients in a State of Minimal Consciousness
This study is testing if watching personalized virtual reality movies can help patients with minimal consciousness become more aware and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 8 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Angers Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Angers) |
| Trial ID | NCT04978857 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores the feasibility of using virtual reality interventions, specifically autobiographic movies, to promote awakening in patients diagnosed with minimal consciousness. The approach aims to stimulate responses in patients who exhibit fluctuating signs of awareness through multisensory experiences. By leveraging the preserved visual and emotional capabilities of these patients, the study seeks to enhance their interaction with the environment and potentially improve their quality of life. The intervention will be conducted at the University Hospital in Angers, focusing on patients who meet specific inclusion criteria.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults diagnosed with minimal consciousness who can tolerate multisensory stimulation.
Not a fit: Patients who are minors, pregnant, or have contraindications to the study procedures will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved awareness and emotional responses in patients with minimal consciousness, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in medical settings is gaining traction, this specific approach for minimal consciousness is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient diagnosed with minimal consciousness * Patient affiliated or beneficiary of a social security scheme * Signature of consent by a relative of the patient * Tolerance of the multisensory stimulation material during the pre-inclusion phase Exclusion Criteria: * Minor * Pregnant woman * Patient with contraindication to study procedures (Contraindication to wearing a virtual reality headset (unbalanced epilepsy, craniofacial trauma, major visual disturbances; contraindication to the fMRI) * Person deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision * Person receiving psychiatric care under duress
Where this trial is running
Angers
- CHU Angers — Angers, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jean-Michel LEMEE
- Email: JMLemee@chu-angers.fr
- Phone: 0241353637
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.