Video games are lots of fun and for many people they spend a good chunk of their days playing games. However, like anything, overexposure can lead to problems, and playing video games is not immune to this fact. Scientist have found that overplaying video games can cause serious injuries, some even life threatening.
Dutch researches have been going through cases of video game related medical injuries over the last 30 years to study the effect that prone longed video game sessions can have on the human body. The findings published in the Christmas issue of the British Medical Journal found the most common health related problem was seizures, what have been called “Nintendo Epilepsy.” Of course it is important to remember that games come with a warning about this very issue.
The report also found that two people where rushed to the hospital after having a stroke playing the Wii, and that another person had a hernia after using the Wii Fit. There was also a case two children who suffered from incontinence when they refused to stop playing to use the washroom. The report mentions a case of what is called “Nintendo neck”, where a child played his Game Boy in a awkward position and “Nintendo elbow” after a child played for much longer then the recommended length. Cases of sore thumbs, hands and wrists are called “Nintendonitis.” Overall Tennis for the Wii was reported to be the most dangerous game.
However, it is important to remember that overdoing anything can lead to problems and that the Nintendo Wii would even recommend that you take a break. I also believe that this report is not blaming Nintendo, but just making people aware of potential dangers.
A Nintendo spokesman said the following about the report: “The Wii is often credited with getting people up off the couch. But, as with any activity, people should pace themselves and not overdo it.”
Have you suffered any of these injuries or a video game injury in the past?
Source The Independent