Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to the questions we have been asked most frequently.
You could not find the answer to your question? Get in touch!
Technical Questions
What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated reality which can be experienced with images and usually with sound. In virtual reality, worlds can thus be artificially created with the computer. In many cases it is possible to interact with these virtual worlds: for example, via multiple screens or head mounted displays. Areas of application can be e.g. education, entertainment or even therapy.
What is a VR device?
VR glasses - also called virtual reality headsets - are opaque glasses in which two screens are integrated instead of the normal glasses. A virtual reality can be displayed on these screens. This gives you the impression of actually being in this other world. The VR glasses also detect head movements due to the built-in sensors, so you can look around in this virtual world and interact with it in most cases.
Why is it useful to use virtual reality for rehabilitation?
Virtual reality offers several advantages for rehabilitation. On the one hand, it is possible to train potentially dangerous situations again and again without actual danger. In addition, many activities of daily living are difficult to train several times in a row, whereas this is easier in virtual reality. Furthermore, virtual reality is location-independent due to mobile technical devices. Numerous scientific publications suggest the use of virtual reality for therapy and treatment of various diseases. If you would like to learn more about the scientific basis, please read on here.
Can virtual reality harm my health?
No, virtual reality is not harmful for health in principle. However, you should consider safety and warning information before using virtual reality. Some people may have health conditions for which use is not recommended.
When should I not use virtual reality?
The use of VR devices and controllers has potential health and safety risks. You can find a detailed explanation in the accompanying documents and health and safety warnings, which we will of course include with your order. The full health and safety warnings can be found here.
Do not use the headset when you are experiencing any of the following (as it may increase your susceptibility to adverse symptoms):
Before you start using the VR device
Below is a brief summary of the risks that should be taken into consideration before using VR goggles:
- if you are tired
- if you need sleep
- if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- if you are are hung-over
- if you are having digestive problems
- if you suffer emotional stress or anxiety
- if you are suffering from the flu or influenza
- if you are suffering headaches, migraine or earaches.
The use of VR-devices could worsen your constitution or your symptoms.
Seizures
Some people (about 1 in 4000) may have severe dizziness, seizures, eye or muscle twitching or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns, and this may occur while they are watching TV, playing video games or experiencing virtual reality, even if they have never had a seizure or blackout before or have no history of seizures or epilepsy. Such seizures are more common in children and young people. Anyone who experiences any of these symptoms should discontinue use of the headset and see a doctor. If you previously have had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition you should see a doctor before using the headset.
Discomfort
Immediately discontinue using the headset if any of the following symptoms are experienced: • Seizures; • Loss of awareness; • Eye strain; • Eye or muscle twitching; • Involuntary movements; • Altered, blurred, or double vision or other visual abnormalities; • Dizziness; • Disorientation; • Impaired balance; • Impaired hand-eye coordination; • Excessive sweating; • Increased salivation; • Nausea; • Lightheadedness; • Discomfort or pain in the head or eyes; • Drowsiness; • Fatigue; • Any symptoms similar to motion sickness.
Just as with the symptoms people can experience after they disembark a cruise ship, symptoms of virtual reality exposure can persist and become more apparent hours after use. These post-use symptoms can include the symptoms above, as well as excessive drowsiness and decreased ability to multi-task. These symptoms may put you at an increased risk of injury when engaging in normal activities in the real world.
Repetitive Stress Injury
Using the device may make your muscles, joints, neck, hand(s), or skin hurt. If any part of your body becomes tired or sore while using the headset or its components, or if you feel symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning or stiffness, stop and rest for several hours before using it again. If you continue to have any of the above symptoms or other discomfort during or after use, stop use and see a doctor.
Interference with Medical Devices.
The headset and controller(s) may contain magnets or components that emit radio waves, which could affect the operation of nearby electronics, including cardiac pacemakers, hearing aids and defibrillators. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, do not use the headset and controller without first consulting your doctor or the manufacturer of your medical device. Maintain a safe distance between the headset and controller and your medical devices. Stop using the headset and/or controller(s) if you observe a persistent interference with your medical device.
Are there any side effects using Virtual Reality?
Some people report mild nausea, mild headaches, or mild dizziness the first few times they use virtual reality. 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 vestibular organ "says" "We're not moving - we're sitting" and the eyes report "We're riding a roller coaster and moving forward very quickly." This conflict between the eyes and the balance organ can cause "confusion" in the brain and lead to nausea, dizziness or headaches. However, at living brain we take care in each of our applications to not create conflicting signals between the eyes and the organ of balance. Therefore we are giving our best to minimize the risk of motion sickness as much as possible. For more detailed information on side effects, please refer to the VR headset manufacturer's health and safety warnings here.
PRODUCT QUESTIONS
How do I order the product?
To order teora® mind you can just contact us via our contact form.
Can I use teora mind as a private person?
Unfortunately teora® mind can not be purchased by private individuals for training in the home environment yet. Still feel free to contact us to learn more.
What spatial requirements does the product need?
All exercises can be performed while sitting. Therefore, you need at least one seat and about 1.50 m of free space in each direction so that the arms can be stretched out. You can also move around in the application by walking if you wish. In this case, you will need a free area of 2×2 meters.
What are the minimum physical requirements the user should meet?
For use, at least one arm and one hand must be mobile.
In the current exercises, this includes the ability to voluntarily bend and stretch the index and middle or ring finger. Turning the head about 60° to the right and left is necessary. Use with a visual aid is possible without problems; however, visual and perceptual ability in both eyes is elementary. In addition, intact speech comprehension as well as reading ability is required.
What kind of technical conditions are needed?
You do not need any special technical equipment. Only a stable and password-protected W-LAN network is necessary.
Where can I find the instruction manual?
You can download the instruction manual for teora® mind here.
Can I test the product in advance?
It is possible to test the product in advance. If you are interested, please contact us via our contact form.
Is the product a certified medical device?
Bei teora® mind handelt es sich um CE-zertifiziertes Medizinprodukt der Klasse 2a. Es handelt sich um ein mit der Medical Device Regulation konformes Medizinprodukt. Die Zweckbestimmung ist die Anwendung zum Training von kognitiven Einschränkungen.
What is teora® mind used for?
teora® mind is used for cognitive impairments that significantly affect the patient's independence, self-determination or everyday competence. These limitations are caused or contributed to by accidents, medical treatments, neurological or mental illnesses. In the sense of teora® mind, these include
- stroke
- epilepsy
- ADHD
- multiple sclerosis
- traumatic brain injury
- mild-cognitive-impairment
- alzheimers
- dementia
- parkinson's disease
- depression
- neurosurgery
- brain cancer
- autism
- chemotherapy
- PTSD
- brain hemorrhages not caused by a stroke (so-called aneurysms)
When should I not use teora® mind? (Contraindications)
The product is contraindicated for people who have a history of epileptic seizures due to visual stimuli, patients who have acute migraine and patients who have problems with balance.
During the first applications, so-called motion sickness (dizziness, headache, nausea) may occur. In this case, the application should be interrupted and resumed as desired after the symptoms subside. If the symptoms do not subside, please consult a physician.
Please be sure to observe health and safety instructions of the VR goggles!
I have discovered an error in the software. What can I do now?
We pay a lot of attention to the quality of our products. If you still find an error, you are welcome to report it to us via the software error form. We will take care of it as soon as possible! If the error makes it impossible for you to continue using the product, please report it to us immediately. We will contact you as soon as possible to find a good solution.
Your question is still not answered? There is still something you want to know? Contact us via our Contact Form.