Virtual reality treatment for complicated mild traumatic brain injury: A case study

Individuals with complex injuries often require innovative treatment techniques, such as virtual reality, to address rehabilitation goals. A Canadian Armed Forces member diagnosed with a complicated mild traumatic brain injury completed 10 virtual reality sessions over 15 weeks. Virtual reality sessions included scenarios to provide both physical and cognitive challenges appropriate to the participants' needs and ability for each session. After 10 sessions, post concussion symptoms were improved and the patient was able to manage more visual stimuli without increasing headache severity. Additionally, return-to-work duration and frequency was increased. This treatment modality provided ability to quickly and easily adapt intervention to address our patient's unique needs while providing a controlled and focused rehabilitation environment. Virtual reality should be considered as an adjunct rehabilitation tool for patient's presenting with complex injuries and/or delayed recovery.