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The virtual reality system was found to alleviate anxiety in children and patients with cognitive dysfunction and claustrophobia, making MRIs easier to obtain in these populations. The virtual reality system is created to reflect sounds and sensations of the MRI to create a more realistic virtual experience and therefore distract from the reality of the MRI.

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August 11, 2021

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I feel that can the virtual reality system can be a wonderful distraction for this type of procedure. I personally have had to calm peoples' fears when scheduling them or transporting them to have their MRI done. I personally have never been an anxious person and have never had issues with small spaces but after recently having an MRI done I can now say that I am not a fan! I truly believe that this type of technology is a fabulous idea for those with anxiety.

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An eye tracking based virtual reality system for use inside magnetic resonance imaging systems.

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1. Achiever
2. Relator
3. Strategic
4. Developer
5. Learner

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Source: https://www.medgadget.com/2021/08/virtual-reality-system-to-entertain-during-mri-scans.html

Author: Conn Hastings

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Researchers at King's College London developed a virtual reality system that is intended to distract and calm patients who find MRI scans challenging, including children and other vulnerable individuals. The patient wears a specialized VR headset during the scan and can interact with the system merely by moving the eyes, allowing them to play games or select various options, including watching videos or interacting with a caregiver or companion over a video link. The technology is intended to make the scans more enjoyable for patients and reduce the likelihood that a scan will be unsuccessful because a patient moves or requests to exit the scanner.

The confined space, loud noises, and the need to keep still for prolonged periods can make MRI exams a grueling experience for many. Some patients find it particularly intolerable, and this can interfere with the ability of technicians to perform successful scans.

Some estimates have listed the success of MRI scans in children below the age of five years being as low as 50%, meaning that the scans must be repeated using sedatives or even anesthesia to ensure that patients can complete them. This is risky, inconvenient, and frustrating for patients and technicians alike. This latest technology aims to make patients forget that they are in a scanner by transporting them somewhere else, using virtual reality.

"We were keen to find other ways of enabling children and vulnerable people to have an MRI scan," Dr Kun Qian, a researcher involved in the study. "Our interest in VR specifically came from the simple observation that when someone is using and then immersed in a VR environment, they are entirely unaware of their surroundings. We thought if we could make a system compatible with the MRI environment, it could be a very powerful alternative way to successfully scan these challenging populations."

The researchers designed a VR headset that is MRI compatible and completely blocks any peripheral light from entering, helping the wearer to forget their surroundings. The system also cleverly disguises noise and vibrations coming from the scanner by passing them off as incidents in the virtual world, such as noise and vibrations from construction work.

So far, the system contains a variety of media content and games that users interact with using eye movements, and even allows the user to interact with a companion outside the scanner using a video link and microphone.

"Developing the right content is crucial, as for the system to be effective it needs to maintain a subject/patient's attention and their sense of immersion for as long as possible," said Qian. "As this content is likely to be very different depending on age and cognitive capabilities, getting this right and tailoring it for different clinical and study populations is a key next step."

"We are very excited about the possibilities that this system opens up for vulnerable and important populations like children and those with difficulties which might mean they can't normally have a MRI scan without being put to sleep," added Dr Tomoki Arichi, another researcher involved in the study. "Not only could this make an enormous difference for everyday clinical practice, but it also opens the way for us to gain dramatic new insight into how patterns of brain function, behavior and social skills develop across our lives."

Check out this video about the VR content:

Study in Scientific Reports: An eye tracking based virtual reality system for use inside magnetic resonance imaging systems

Via: King's College London

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Virtual Reality System to Entertain During MRI Scans

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Researchers at King's College London developed a virtual reality system that is intended to distract and calm patients who find MRI scans challenging, including children and other vulnerable individuals.

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May cause claustrophobia due to bulk of system.

Anxiety can be elicited by virtual reality experience.

Cost of system.

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Abraham – With the strength of arranger Abraham will be an asset with his ability to organize, be flexible and shift gears and reorganize.
Chelsea – Being in the command theme Chelsea will be beneficial because having someone that can take charge and make decisions is crucial to the success of any project. If no one can commit to decisions the project will get absolutely nowhere, a charismatic leader can be the game changer.
Carter – Having a great communicator to present information not only to the team to get them energized but also to administration is key for a successful presentation of the project.

Matthew – Being that Matthew is of the maximizer theme he is a great asset for any team. With the strength to create success at all cost the maximizer is always a necessity.

Pablo – Positivity is contagious and keeping the energy positive and lighthearted is great for team moral.

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Higher rates of successful MRIs.

Ease of anxiety in those with disorders such as claustrophobia.

May reduce restlessness and anxiety in children.

Hastens the overall MRI experience.

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Qian, K., Arichi, T.,Price, A., Dall’Orso, S., Eden, J., Noh, Y., Rhode, K., Burdet, E.,Neil, M., Edwards, A., & Hajnal, J.V.

An eye tracking based virtual reality system for use inside magnetic resonance imaging systems. Sci Rep 11, 16301 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-95634-y