VR headsets under scrutiny: could they trigger seizures?

NCT ID NCT07451093

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study will test whether using virtual reality headsets raises the risk of seizures in adolescents and adults with epilepsy. Forty participants will wear a VR headset while their brain activity is recorded with EEG, comparing periods with the display off, on, and with hand controls. The goal is to see if interactive VR is more likely to trigger abnormal brain signals than passive viewing.

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 Headset

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide safety guidelines for people with epilepsy using virtual reality.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 40 participants. It measures brain activity, not actual seizures, so real-world risk may differ.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

epilepsy reflex epilepsy visual epilepsy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

    Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03756, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact