3D Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Therapy for Patients with Vertigo Due to Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction.

This study aimed to evaluate 3D virtual reality rehabilitation therapy in patients with vertigo due to peripheral vestibular dysfunction. The subjects were 20 patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction confirmed by Videonystagmography, Divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (study group) underwent vestibular rehabilitation therapy using 3D virtual reality in a customised VR lab with specific headset (Oculus rift and htc vive) with software application, which allows vestibular rehabilitation treatment using high quality immersive virtual reality console in which environment appears real and in 3D. The exercises are designed for gaze stability, increase postural stability, improve vertigo and daily activities, through sensory stimuli and in addition to conventional Cawthorne-Choksey exercises. Group 2 (control group) are treated by conventional Cawthorne-Choksey exercises alone. A VSS-SF (Vertigo Symptom Scale-short form) questionnaire and VAS (Visual Analog Scale) were used to assess the levels of patient satisfaction compared before and after each treatment session in both groups. A significant higher level of subjective satisfaction was observed in patients who underwent 3D virtual reality rehabilitation therapy with conventional therapy (group 1) compared to patients who underwent conventional cawthorne-Choksey exercises alone (group 2). The study gave a substantial subjective satisfaction in patients using 3D virtual reality rehabilitation therapy with conventional therapy (group1) than conventional Cawthorne-Choksey exercises alone (group 2). Future of VR rehabilitation therapy brings a revolutionary novelty in field of rehabilitation therapy were it involves real time stimulation and interaction between sensory, motor and cognitive channels.

Major neck surgeries under regional anesthesia.

PURPOSE: Major neck surgeries are conventionally performed under general anesthesia. To receive general anesthesia, patients must meet certain criteria that have attendant limitations. This report discusses the investigator's experiences with performing major neck surgeries under regional anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty major neck surgeries were performed (30 thyroidectomies, 10 laryngectomies with or without neck dissection, 3 thyroglossal cyst, 2 branchial cyst, and 5 submandibular gland excisions) under regional anesthesia over a period of 2 years between March 1994 and March 1996. The selection criteria of patients for regional anesthesia, the regional neural blocks used, the technique of performing these blocks, the efficacy, advantages, and limitations of these blocks are all discussed. RESULTS: The combination of regional neural blocks and intraoperative medications produced superb analgesia and good patient compliance. Intraoperative blood loss was minimal. With postoperative complications being negligible, recovery was faster. CONCLUSION: Regional anesthesia is an effective alternative to general anesthesia for neck surgeries of less than 4 hours' duration.