PUBG Addiction Nearly Cripples 19-Year-Old: Indian Spinal Injuries Centre Doctors Save Teen

New Delhi, 2^nd May 2025: Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), New Delhi, one of India’s premier institutes for spine care and rehabilitation, has successfully treated a complex case of spinal tuberculosis in an adolescent boy that had progressed into severe spinal deformity and partial paralysis, aggravated by prolonged gaming addiction and social withdrawal. The patient, who spent almost a year isolated in his room and engaged in excessive gaming for up to 12 hours a day, developed a significant kypho-scoliotic deformity and began having trouble in walking and passing urine. ISIC’s team of spine experts, led by Dr. Vikas Tandon, Chief of Spine Services, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre performed a high-risk corrective surgery using advanced spinal navigation technology, achieving remarkable neurological recovery.

Patient’s journey and challenges: The boy’s condition began insidiously — a gradual loss of appetite for physical activity and school, increasing dependence on online gaming, and eventual social withdrawal. Over time, he developed an abnormal curvature of the spine and began facing problems in walking, followed by urinary difficulties — all signs of potential spinal cord involvement. Unfortunately, his addiction and isolation masked early symptoms, delaying medical attention. By the time he arrived at ISIC, the boy’s condition had significantly deteriorated. Detailed imaging revealed a severe kypho-scoliotic deformity at the D11 and D12 vertebral levels, caused by spinal tuberculosis — an infectious condition that had remained undiagnosed due to the patient’s prolonged immobility and social withdrawal. The disease had led to abscess formation and pus accumulation, exerting pressure on the spinal cord and contributing to his neurological decline. The medical team determined the urgent need for surgical intervention. The patient underwent a complex spinal correction surgery, and within days, he began to regain mobility and bladder control.

Dr. Vikas Tandon, Chief of Spine Services, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) said, “This was a challenging case due to the dual complexity of advanced spinal TB and the psychosocial impact of gaming addiction. The spine had suffered significant deformity, compressed the cord and threatened permanent disability. We used spinal navigation technology to plan and execute precise vertebral instrumentation, spinal cord decompression, and fusion. Fortunately, we were able to realign the spine, relieve the pressure on the cord, and restore his mobility. The patient responded well — early signs of neurological recovery were visible within days of the procedure. Timely surgical intervention played a key role in reversing paralysis and preventing long-term disability.”

He added, “We are seeing a disturbing trend of musculoskeletal complications in adolescents, especially due to prolonged screen exposure and sedentary habits linked to gaming. This case is not just about spinal TB — it reflects a growing public health challenge where physical and mental health are deeply intertwined. Excessive gaming, poor posture, and social isolation can create a perfect storm for delayed diagnoses and serious outcomes. Awareness, parental monitoring, and early intervention are critical to prevent such cases.”

Post-surgery, he was placed on a structured rehabilitation plan that included intensive physiotherapy and counselling to address his addiction-related behavioural issues.