Virtual Reality to Help Manage Sickle Cell Pain Crises

This pilot study is testing whether virtual reality headsets can help people with sickle cell disease manage severe pain during a vaso-occlusive crisis—a painful blockage of blood vessels that is a common complication of the disease. Participants will use one of two types of virtual reality experiences while receiving their usual emergency care, and researchers will measure how much the virtual reality helps reduce pain and the amount of opioid medications needed.

Sickle cell disease causes severe, unpredictable pain crises that often require large doses of opioid medications in the emergency room. Researchers want to see if this treatment can provide a safe, non-medication way to help manage pain and potentially reduce the need for strong painkillers.