Medicalholodeck Conference 2025

Medical VR in Conflict Zones. XR Case Reports From Syrian Civil War

Technology as a Lifeline in Conflict Zones

Dr. Mohammed Alhamood opened his presentation with a bold question: How can cutting-edge technology save lives in the midst of war? Speaking from Damascus, Syria—where he practices as a neurologist—Dr. Alhamood offered a moving and deeply practical account of how virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) technologies are being used to improve care under the most extreme conditions.

In regions affected by conflict, medical teams face extraordinary challenges: lack of imaging tools, scarce medical resources, and limited access to specialist support. In such settings, every decision carries immense weight. For neurologists and neurosurgeons, where surgical precision is critical, traditional resources often fall short.

A Critical Case: Astrocytoma Surgery with VR

One of the most striking cases presented involved a 30-year-old patient with persistent neurological symptoms. Imaging revealed a grade 3 astrocytoma in the temporal lobe—requiring complex surgery with limited local support.

Using Medicalholodeck’s VR platform, Dr. Alhamood and his team reconstructed the tumor in an interactive 3D environment. This allowed them to:

  • Accurately visualize the tumor from multiple angles

  • Simulate surgical steps and potential complications

  • Share the XR model remotely with international neurosurgeons for consultation

The outcome was a safer, more informed surgery—and the case was later published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports (2024), highlighting the clinical value of immersive imaging in neurosurgical planning.

Mohammed Alhamood

Dr. Mohammed Alhamood, MD is a neurologist at Tishreen Hospital in Damascus, Syria, where he provides specialized care in one of the most challenging medical environments in the world. Practicing in a conflict-affected region, Dr. Alhamood is committed to advancing neurological diagnosis, treatment, and surgical planning despite limited access to traditional resources.

He is a leading advocate for the use of virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) technologies in conflict medicine. By integrating immersive tools into clinical workflows, Dr. Alhamood has improved patient outcomes and pioneered remote collaboration with international specialists.

Training Local Doctors in Immersive Environments

Beyond individual cases, Dr. Alhamood emphasized the broader educational impact of XR technologies in Syria. With limited access to cadavers and traditional models, VR has become a practical tool for immersive, hands-on training. Local physicians are now able to practice complex neurology and neurosurgery procedures virtually—bridging the gap between theory and real-world execution.

He acknowledged the critical support of the Medicalholodeck team, who provided full access to their software free of charge. In his words, “This is not just about technology—it’s about equity, access, and saving lives.”

Alhamood2

Real-World Results

The integration of VR and XR in conflict medicine has already produced measurable results:

  • Enhanced diagnostic accuracy using immersive 3D imaging

  • Improved surgical planning and precision, leading to better outcomes

  • Scalable training solutions that work even in resource-limited hospitals

This approach is not hypothetical—it is in use today, transforming care for patients in war-affected regions.

A Call for Global Access

Dr. Alhamood concluded with a powerful message: access to advanced medical technology should not be defined by geography or economy. VR and XR are not futuristic—they are real tools solving real problems today.

His message is clear: immersive technology is not only changing the future of medicine—it’s changing lives right now.

For more information, contact info@medicalholodeck.com
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