Immersive virtual reality in neurology

The aim of the "Virtual worlds for digital diagnostics and cognitive rehabilitation" (VReha) project was to develop and implement VR-based tools to help the diagnostics and rehabilitation of cognitive deficits. Compared to more traditional diagnostic tests, VR can provide a more naturalistic (interactive and dynamic) everyday environment in which cognitive functions can be assessed. In addition, VR allows for the development of motivating and adaptive tasks that can be used for training and rehabilitation. For the VReha project, we collaborated with clinical (Tagesklinik “Cognitive Neurology”, Leipzig, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin/Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), technical (Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institute), and industry partners (HASOMED GmbH). VReha was funded from 2017-2021 by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

In the project "Mobile immersive virtual reality based assessment of spatial neglect (3DIA)", we aim to improve the treatment of attention disorders after stroke by using mobile immersive virtual reality (VR) for precise and personalized diagnostics of spatial neglect. With such novel test procedures, the behavior of patients can be measured adaptively and with high spatial and temporal resolution. Furthermore, parameters such as gaze patterns as well as head and body movements can be recorded, automatically evaluated and included in the diagnostic process. The digital nature of VR-based applications increases the comparability and exchange of neglect profiles across different test performers and test locations and allows telemedical follow-up. We work on these solutions in close exchange with future clinical users, technical experts, and with the involvement of legal and regulatory advice. If you belong to one of these groups and are interested in cooperation, please contact us.