PUBG addiction leaves 12-year-old Delhi boy with partial paralysis and spinal deformity

PUBG

Do you play PUBG a lot on your phone? Well, here's a story that might make you think twice about spending too many hours glued to the screen.

According to a PTI report, a 12-year-old boy from Delhi ended up with partial paralysis and a severely bent spine — all linked to his addiction to PUBG and nonstop gaming. He was playing for up to 12 hours a day, locked away in his room, barely talking to anyone, and avoiding school and outdoor activities. Over time, his body began to give up.

Doctors at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) in Delhi said the boy had developed a serious spinal deformity, along with spinal tuberculosis that had gone undiagnosed for months. The condition got so bad that he struggled to walk and even had trouble passing urine.

By the time he reached ISIC, things were critical. “His spine was badly deformed, and the spinal cord was under pressure — a mix of medical neglect and lifestyle choices,” said Dr. Vikas Tandon, the lead spine surgeon who treated him. The team performed a high-risk spinal correction surgery using advanced technology. Thankfully, it worked. Within days, the boy began to regain control of his legs and bladder.

But the surgery was just one part of the solution. Post-surgery, he’s now going through intense physiotherapy and counseling to deal with both the physical damage and the emotional fallout of gaming addiction.

Doctors say they’re seeing more and more kids facing similar problems — not just spinal issues, but anxiety, social withdrawal, and behavioural changes — all thanks to excessive screen time and poor posture.

“This isn’t just about spinal TB,” Dr. Tandon said. “It’s about how gaming, if unchecked, can quietly destroy a child’s body and mind.”So the next time you find yourself scrolling or playing for hours, it might be worth taking a break — your spine will thank you.