Virtual reality tested as pain relief for burn patients

NCT ID NCT04685486

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether playing an immersive virtual reality game during painful burn treatments (like dressing changes) can reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers. Fifty adult burn patients will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care alone or standard care plus VR. The goal is to see if VR can make procedures less painful and lower medication doses.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Virtual reality (immersive game via head-mounted display)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to ease pain during burn treatments, potentially reducing reliance on opioids.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early proof-of-concept study. The effect may be small or not last beyond the procedure, and VR may not work for everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia anxiety disorder burn Depression Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Weill Cornell Medicine
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10065, United States

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