Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s fall on Parliament stairs while on phone: Neurologist says brain is not good at multitasking

Recently, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stumbled on the Parliament steps while he was talking on phone. (Picture: X/@TharoorOffice)

• Using phones while walking downstairs increases risk of serious injuries
• Dr Sudhir Kumar warns multitasking with phones impairs balance and reaction time
• Pause calls and hold railings when using stairs to avoid falls and fractures

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Many health experts warn against the use of phones while walking or going downstairs. A message or call serves as a distraction, becoming a cause of serious injuries.

Recently, Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor stumbled on the Parliament steps while he was busy on a call. He was later spotted attending Parliament in a wheelchair on Thursday (February 5) and informed that he was suffering from a hairline fracture.

This made Hyderabad neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar warn his followers on X that a phone call or a message while walking downstairs or crossing the road can lead to injuries. This is not because of carelessness or an age factor, but because the brain is not good at multitasking.

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He wrote, “One phone call. One staircase. One misstep. This video of Mr Shashi Tharoor tripping while talking on the phone and walking downstairs is not about clumsiness. It’s about the brain (Glad to note that Mr Tharoor is doing well). Your brain is terrible at “walking + phone” multitasking. Especially while going downstairs.”

One phone call. One staircase. One misstep.

This video of Mr. Shashi Tharoor tripping while talking on the phone and walking downstairs is not about clumsiness. It’s about the brain. (Glad to note that Mr Tharoor is doing well🙏) Your brain is terrible at “walking + phone”… pic.twitter.com/KgNE7XxOYU — Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) February 5, 2026

What makes staircase risky?

It is important to understand that walking downstairs involves your brain assessing “balance, depth perception, foot placement, and making split-second corrections.” However, when you add a phone call, it distracts the brain. The attention shifts to the call or message, and reaction time drops.

The neurologist added that the imbalance and improper walking pattern due to the phone shouldn’t be taken lightly. “Some of the worst head injuries I see come from simple falls, not big accidents.”

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When to avoid using the phone?

Dr Kumar added that you shouldn’t use the phone when:

• Going up or down stairs
• Crossing roads
• Walking on uneven surfaces
• Driving / riding

This is because your brain can either focus on movement or on your phone.

What to do instead?

He recommended pausing the call, looking at the steps, and holding the railing. “Your brain is too valuable to risk for a notification,” he added.

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FAQs on downsides of climbing down the stairs while talking on phone:

1. Why is using the phone while going downstairs risky?

Because it splits your attention. Your brain focuses on the conversation instead of foot placement, balance and depth perception, increasing the risk of a misstep.

2. Is going downstairs more dangerous than climbing up while on the phone?

Yes. Descending stairs requires more control and precise footing. Even a small distraction can lead to slips, falls or ankle twists.

3. Can talking on the phone affect balance on stairs?

Absolutely. Phone conversations reduce situational awareness and interfere with the body’s natural balance and coordination.

4. What kinds of injuries can happen due to this habit?

Common injuries include ankle sprains, knee injuries, wrist fractures (from trying to break a fall), back injuries and head trauma.

5. Does looking at the phone screen make it worse?

Yes. Looking at the screen further reduces depth perception and makes it harder to judge stair height and distance.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.