Work

Immersive Virtual Reality Exposure Associated With a Migraine With Brainstem Aura–Like Presentation and Prolonged Recovery: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Immersive virtual reality (VR) exposure can produce a range of neurological symptoms, but its possible relationship with prolonged migraine-related symptoms remains poorly characterized. We report a 32-year-old male who developed acute disorientation, vertigo, cognitive clouding, derealization, and sensory disturbances immediately following a 30-min immersive VR session. Symptoms partially improved but recurred with sensory overstimulation the following day. Despite unremarkable neuro-otological examinations, the patient experienced a markedly atypical, two-week period of persistent neurological symptoms featuring hypersomnia, cognitive fatigue, and sensory hypersensitivity. The presentation was considered a migraine with brainstem aura-like presentation, although it did not fulfill ICHD-3 criteria for definite migraine with brainstem aura. Symptoms gradually resolved completely by approximately 2 weeks, with no recurrence reported at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. This case describes a temporal association between immersive VR exposure and a prolonged migraine-like neurological presentation, highlighting the need for clinical awareness of symptoms occurring after immersive digital exposure.

Source: Clinical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.73895

Authors: Abdulrahman Al‐Dawoudi, Daniil Varlamov, Shaghaf Alhallak, Mujahed Dalain

Institutions: University of Latvia, Homs University

Language: English

Topic: Migraine and Headache Studies

Subfield: Clinical Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,820