VR glasses – also known as virtual reality headsets – are opaque glasses in which two screens have been integrated instead of the normal glasses. A virtual reality can be displayed on these screens. Thus, when using it, you get the impression of actually being in this other world. Thanks to the built-in sensors, the VR glasses also detect head movements so that you can look around in this virtual world and, in most cases, also interact with it. 

Virtual reality can be used advantageously for rehabilitation in four ways. VR makes it possible to train potentially dangerous situations without actual danger. In addition, numerous activities that are difficult to repeat in everyday life can easily be performed several times in succession in virtual reality. Furthermore, virtual reality can be used regardless of location through the use of mobile technical devices. A large number of scientific publications suggest the use of VR for therapy and treatment of a wide variety of diseases. To learn more about this scientific basis, feel free to continue reading here.

No, VR is generally not harmful to health.
Before use, please read the Safety instructions and warnings of the manufacturer. However, some people are advised against using it due to pre-existing health conditions. 

The use of VR goggles and controllers is potentially associated with health and safety risks. You can find detailed information in the health and safety warnings of the VR glasses which we will of course provide you with when you order our product. The complete health and safety warnings can be found here.

In the following you will find a short summary of the risks you should consider before using the VR goggles:

You should not use VR goggles if

• you are tired
• you need sleep
• you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• you are hungover
• you have digestive issues
• you suffer from emotional stress or panic attacks
• you have the flu
• you have a headache, migraines or earaches

These conditions could increase the risk of potential side effects.

Seizures

In some persons (ca 1 of4000) certain light effects can cause intense vertigo, seizures, eye- and muscle twitches or fainting. These effects can occur while watching TV, playing video games or using VR — even if you do not have a history of seizures or epilepsy.

Health Problems

Discontinue use of the headset immediately if any of the following symptoms occur: seizures; fainting; visual impairments; eye or muscle twitching; involuntary movements; altered, blurred, double vision or other visual abnormalities; Dizziness; disorientation; balance disorders; disturbance of hand-eye coordination; excessive sweating; increased salivation; Nausea; drowsiness; discomfort or pain in your head or eyes; Sleepiness; Exhaustion; or any symptoms similar to motion sickness.

As with the symptoms that can occur when people disembark a ship, symptoms that arise from exposure to virtual reality can persist and become even more severe hours after use. These post-use symptoms can include all of the aforementioned symptoms, as well as excessive drowsiness and a decreased ability to multitask. These symptoms could put you at an increased risk of injury when engaging in normal, real-world activities.

Recurrent stress injuries

Use of the device may cause pain in muscles, joints, neck, hand(s) or skin. Discontinue use of the headset or its components and rest for a few hours before using again if you experience fatigue or pain, or if you experience symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning or stiffness. If symptoms or other conditions persist, discontinue use and contact a physician.

Disturbance of medical devices 

The headset and controller(s) contain magnets and components that emit radio waves that may affect nearby electronic devices, including pacemakers, hearing aids, and defibrillators. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, do not use the headset and controller until you have contacted your doctor or the manufacturer of your medical device. Maintain a safe distance between the headset and controller and your medical device. Discontinue use of the headset and controller(s) if you observe persistent interference with your medical device. 

When first using virtual reality, some people report mild nausea, mild headaches or mild dizziness. These symptoms are also called motion sickness. They sometimes occur when the vestibular organ and the eyes report two different signals to the brain. For example, the balance system “says” “We are not moving – we are sitting” and the eyes report “We are riding a roller coaster and moving forward very fast.” This conflict between the eyes and the organ of balance can cause “confusion” in the brain and lead to nausea, dizziness or headaches. To minimize the risk of motion sickness, we at living brain take care in each of our applications not to create conflicting signals between the eyes and the vestibular organ. More detailed information about side effects can be found here in the Health and Safety Warnings of the VR headset manufacturer.