The potential of virtual reality in orofacial neuralgia treatment: a systematic review of surgical applications

Abstract Managing orofacial neuralgias is complex due to variations in presentation and unique responses to pharmacological therapy. Virtual reality (VR) technology, which immerses users in a three-dimensional environment using specialized software and hardware, has shown promise in the management of different forms of chronic pain. However, there are limited reports on its role in orofacial neuralgia. Five databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Directory of Open Access Journals, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar) were systematically searched from inception until 16th November 2024. The systematic review included eight studies (four retrospective analyses, one prospective study, two case series and one cross-sectional study) that focused on virtual reality and orofacial neuralgias (trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, post-herpetic forms). We used a narrative synthesis approach to provide reports on VR’s use anatomical localization accuracy, patients’ reported pain scales, preoperative time utilization and adverse events (safety). Most studies reported favorable patients outcomes evidenced by improved pain scales. There were no associated mortality or long-term complications, and study participants tolerated the sessions. This suggests that VR interventions can serve as promising adjunctive management options for patients with orofacial neuralgia. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up durations are needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations.