Can a VR headset ease pancreatitis pain?

NCT ID NCT06362187

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This study tests whether using a virtual reality headset at home can help adults with chronic pancreatitis manage their pain. Twenty participants will use either a gut-directed VR therapy or a distraction-based VR for 8 weeks. The main goal is to see if people can stick with the program, and secondarily whether it improves pain and quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Gut-directed virtual reality cognitive behavioral therapy (VR CBT) delivered via Oculus Quest 2 headset
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug, home-based option to help manage chronic pain from pancreatitis.
What could go wrong: This is a very small feasibility study with only 20 people, so results may not apply widely. The VR therapy is experimental and may not reduce pain for everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic pancreatitis recurrent acute pancreatitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC PANCREATITIS RECURRENT PANCREATITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States

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