A 16-year-old boy in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, suffered a sudden epilepsy attack due to staying up late playing video games continuously. The news made it to the top search list on Baidu on February 5th.
According to Ningbo Evening News on February 4th, the 16-year-old boy named Xiao (pseudonym) is a high school student. During this winter vacation, he spent his days and nights on the couch with his phone, playing games, sleeping until the afternoon. Prior to the seizure, he had been playing a new online game for two consecutive nights.
In the early morning when the illness struck, Xiao’s family was awakened by his loud cries. They rushed to his room only to find him on the floor, eyes rolled back, foaming at the mouth, and limbs convulsing, after previously sitting in front of the computer.
Minutes later, Xiao gradually regained consciousness but began experiencing symptoms like headaches, body aches, and fatigue. His family quickly rushed him to the emergency room at the Second Hospital of Ningbo City.
Dr. Fan Wei, the deputy director of the Neurology Department at the hospital, revealed, “This is his first epilepsy seizure. We conducted detailed physical examinations, completed auxiliary examinations such as MRI, and dynamic EEG, but did not find a specific cause. Through analysis, we concluded that it was mainly due to a combination of emotional excitement during gaming and staying up late.”
Dr. Fan went on to share her encounter with an epilepsy patient who would only have seizures when playing games. Eventually, for the sake of their health, the patient decided to quit gaming addiction and now their condition is well controlled.
Dr. Fan warns that prolonged late nights, lack of sleep, exposure to flashing lights, excessive use of electronic devices, and extended periods of high tension can all trigger epilepsy.
Internet user “Mengxin Xunzhang Zhi Lu Yasuo” commented, “Parents should take responsibility. They know that staying up late is harmful, yet they still let their children stay up late playing games during the New Year. They should be held accountable if something goes wrong!”
“Overlord Yaowei” also added, “This age group is a high-risk period for epilepsy. Parents and schools must enhance education on this matter.”
Furthermore, some netizens expressed concerns that this illness is difficult to cure and should be treated with caution. “Man Fei He RX” said, “This disease is very troublesome; if not treated, it will bring a lifetime of suffering!”