Videogaming injuries

[Phantar]

Reading the Wikipedia-entry on the Intellivison, I've noticed that Heavy use of the controller (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellivision#Game_controller) could lead to Trigger Finger syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlackBerry_Thumb), also known as "BlackBerry Thumb", where (quote) a "repetitive forceful use of a digit leads to narrowing of the fibrous digital sheath in which it runs."

First, I thought that was stupid. However, I distinctly remember a friend of mine who was big into "Command & Conquer" on PC back when it was released. He played that game for hours on end, which lead to him developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_Tunnel_syndrome) caused by heavy overuse of the mouse!

Man... gaming CAN be dangerous to your health!

Does anyone know any other health issues caused DIRECTLY by videogames? By the way, weight problems or injuries suffered by flying Wii-controllers or clumsyness doing Dance Dance revolution don't count!

[TmEE]

Vibration in controllers leads to the faster failure of wrist joints.

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

I have pretty decent caluss on my left thumb from various D-pads. I think I got most of it from trying to play fighters on snes

[Smii]

The thumb on my left hand clicks when I move it - almost certainly the fault of d-pads.

Also, I'm fairly sure my crappy long-distance vision has something to do with too much time spent staring at screens of one kind or another.

(Neither of these are injuries, as such.)

[gamevet]

First, I thought that was stupid. However, I distinctly remember a friend of mine who was big into "Command & Conquer" on PC back when it was released. He played that game for hours on end, which lead to him developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_Tunnel_syndrome) caused by heavy overuse of the mouse!




I had played Populous (Amiga) so much, that the bone at the base of my hand went numb. I now use a mouse pad, with a cushion at the bottom of the pad, and it seems to help quite a bit.

[Phantar]

Well, he now uses a kind of gel-padded glove whenever he's working the mouse, be it work-related or playing games

[Aqua Hedgehog]

Does getting your left thumb broken trying to play Street Fighter on SNES gamepads count?

[KenshiroX]

Power Rangers: Super Legends on PC with its hour long levels gives new meaning to "carpal tunnel syndrome".

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

Using the aura interactor with contra hard corps made me feel like I might have a heart attack. It feels like it sends deep vibrations right into my heart and makes it feel like its going to shake loose or something. When a big explosion happens its like a mini difibrilator jolt. I can't wear it for more than like 2 minutes because the vibrations tickle so much and its extremely loud and rediculous looking.

[16-bit]

I played Panzer Dragoon on the Saturn and my thumb hurt from pushing the fire button so many times, I guess it's time for a turbo controller :daze:

[Iron Lizard]

My buddy has epilepsy and once had a nasty seizure playing FFVIII or FFIX, I cant remember which. It took about 4 EMTs to hold him down.

I get migraines if I play to long and if they arebad enough sometimes I throw up. Thats no fun.

[Aarzak]

Pardon me IL, but I LOL'd hard at the thought of the migraines part:

*IL loses for the 250th time at Stage 3 of "Target Earth*

*starts trembling in anger cussing loudly, suddenly catches migraine and barfs on himself and Genesis controller*

I got BAD migraines as early as the 2nd Grade as a result of video games. I believe it was from blowing on NES carts too hard............NES carts. They attacked me at school and made me the butt of jokes amongst my classmates who just didn't understand. Including THAT one girl.....you know, the girl of your dreams.

[otaku]

My hands feel like shit after a week or so of shmups (5-10 hours worth I guess) throw in tones of writing and some serious lifting (moving furniture/treadmill etc) ouch!

[Iron Lizard]

I need to learn how to type. I would have laughed reading that as well. Yep migraines suck ass. I don't throw up to often because of them but if I have taken bad care of myself, no sleep, food, or a frustratingly long day at work, they really can kick my ass. Playing games only makes it worse.