Evaluating the Impact of Virtual Reality on Mood in Patients Undergoing Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Medication-Refractory Essential Tremor

Evaluating the Impact of Virtual Reality on Mood in Patients Undergoing Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Medication-Refractory Essential Tremor

The primary objective of this randomized study is to evaluate the effect of a virtual reality (VR) video on pre-treatment anxiety levels in individuals undergoing magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatment for medication-refractory essential tremor (ET). Participants will be randomized to view one of two VR videos, and pre-treatment anxiety levels will be compared between groups.

As a secondary objective, the study will compare patient concerns (including claustrophobia, mental preparedness, and fear of pain, as well as any additional concerns identified during the study) between the two randomized groups.

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) intervention in reducing preoperative anxiety among adults scheduled to undergo magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for essential tremor. Sixty adult participants scheduled for MRgFUS will be randomized to view one of two 6-minute immersive VR procedural videos using a headset prior to treatment.

Preoperative anxiety will be assessed using validated self-report instruments, including the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS), the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State version (STAI-S). The primary objective is to compare preoperative anxiety levels between the two VR video groups. A secondary objective is to compare patient concerns between groups, including but not limited to claustrophobia, mental preparedness, and fear of pain, as well as any additional concerns identified through patient reporting.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients must be over the age of 18 and have been approved and consented for MRgFUS thalamotomy for medication-refractory essential tremor
• Subjects must be and willing to give consent and able to attend all study visits and MRgFUS procedure, understanding the associated risks and benefits.
• Participants must be willing or able to complete questionnaires or have someone who can complete them on their behalf.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients prone to epileptic seizures and/or sensory issues will be excluded from the study.
• Patients who have previously undergone an MRgFUS procedure (ipsilateral or contralateral to the hemisphere currently being treated) will be excluded.