A 19-year-old boy from Delhi underwent complex spinal surgery after prolonged gaming addiction and social isolation led to partial paralysis—only to later discover he was also battling undiagnosed spinal tuberculosis (TB).
The teenager, addicted to the popular online game PUBG, reportedly spent over 12 hours a day in isolation, sitting in poor posture. Over time, he developed a bent spine, began losing bladder control, and experienced difficulty walking—alarming signs that his spinal cord was under pressure.
By the time he was brought to the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), his condition had deteriorated severely. Doctors diagnosed him with kypho-scoliosis, a dangerous deformity involving both forward and sideways spinal bending. Further scans revealed advanced spinal TB had infected his D11 and D12 vertebrae, causing pus accumulation and compressing his spinal cord.
“This was a challenging case due to the dual burden of spinal TB and the long-term physical impact of screen addiction,” said Dr. Vikas Tandon, Chief of Spine Services at ISIC.
The medical team performed surgery using spinal navigation technology—a GPS-like system that helps surgeons place screws and align the spine with precision. The operation involved decompressing the spinal cord, correcting the curvature, and stabilizing the structure with implants.
Remarkably, within days of the surgery, the teen regained bladder control and began walking again—clear signs that spinal pressure had been alleviated.
The case highlights the intersection of mental health, physical well-being, and the dangers of screen addiction. “We are seeing more adolescents presenting with bone and joint issues stemming from extended screen time, poor posture, and lack of physical activity,” Dr. Tandon added.
The boy is now undergoing rehabilitation, which includes physiotherapy to build strength and counselling to address his gaming dependence. Doctors are closely monitoring his recovery to ensure he regains both physical and emotional well-being.
“This case underscores the importance of early medical intervention, parental awareness, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Gaming addiction isn’t just a mental health concern—it can mask serious health conditions like spinal TB,” Dr. Tandon emphasized.
As the teen continues his recovery, experts hope his story serves as a wake-up call for families to pay attention not only to screen habits but also to the underlying health issues that may go unnoticed.
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