# Severe pressure injury secondary to internet gaming addiction: a rare diagnosis in a neurologically intact patient

## TL;DR

A young man with no neurological issues developed severe pressure injuries from excessive internet gaming, highlighting the risks of gaming addiction.

## Contribution

This case report highlights a rare instance of severe pressure injury in a neurologically intact individual due to internet gaming disorder.

## Key findings

- Stage 4 pressure injuries occurred in a neurologically intact young man due to internet gaming disorder.
- Internet gaming disorder can lead to immobility and poor tissue health, increasing pressure injury risk.
- A multi-disciplinary approach with psychiatric input was used to address the addiction and its consequences.

## Abstract

Pressure injuries are preventable ischaemic injures that occur in regions of sustained pressure or shearing force, leading to localized tissue hypoxia and necrosis. These injuries do not occur commonly in people with intact neurological function including normal sensation and mobility. This report documents a case of stage 4 pressure injuries in a neurologically intact young man, secondary to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). This addiction to gaming is associated with many of the pre-disposing factors for pressure injury development, including immobility and poor tissue health secondary to nutritional deficiencies. This case details a multi-disciplinary team approach with substantial psychiatric input. IGD is a key area of future research within mental health literature, and this report documents one of many sequelae of this addiction.