A computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment. People can interact with these images using electronic equipment such as a headset or gloves outfitted with sensors.
Virtual reality is being explored by some cancer experts as a means to better explain to patients the size and location of their tumors, and as a means of distraction to keep patients calm during radiation therapy treatments that require patients to remain still. Additional applications include surgical simulators that allow neurosurgeons to view and interact with dynamic brain images before operating. A 2021 meeting of the International Virtual Reality Healthcare Association featured presentations from researchers at different centers about the potential of VR to help in areas such as cognitive rehabilitations in stroke survivors, speech disorders and pain relief. For more information, see this 2021 blog post from AHCJ.