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english
PLaY HeaLtHY
imPortant HeaLtH warninGS about PLaYinG Video GameS
Photosensitive Seizures
A very small percentage of people may
experience a seizure when exposed to
certain visual images, including flashing
lights or patterns that may appear in
video games. Even people who have no
history of seizures or epilepsy may have
an undiagnosed condition that can
cause these “photosensitive epileptic
seizures” while watching video games.
These seizures may have a variety of
symptoms, including lightheadedness,
altered vision, eye or face twitching,
jerking or shaking of arms or legs,
disorientation, confusion, or momentary
loss of awareness. Seizures may also
cause loss of consciousness or
convulsions that can lead to injury from
falling down or striking nearby objects.
Immediately stop playing and consult a
doctor if you experience any of these
symptoms. Parents should watch for or
ask their children about the above
symptoms—children and teenagers are
more likely than adults to experience
these seizures. The risk of photosensitive
epileptic seizures may be reduced by
taking the following precautions:
• Sit farther from the TV screen.
• Use a smaller TV screen.
• Play in a well-lit room.
• Do not play when you are drowsy or
fatigued.
If you or any of your relatives have a
history of seizures or epilepsy, consult a
doctor before playing.
musculoskeletal disorders
Use of game controllers, keyboards, mice,
or other electronic input devices may be
linked to serious injuries or disorders.
When playing video games, as with many
activities, you may experience occasional
discomfort in your hands, arms, shoulders,
neck, or other parts of your body.
However, if you experience symptoms
such as persistent or recurring discomfort,
pain, throbbing, aching, tingling,
numbness, burning sensation, or stiffness,
DO NOT IGNORE THESE WARNING
SIGNS. PROMPTLY SEE A QUALIFIED
HEALTH PROFESSIONAL, even if
symptoms occur when you are not
playing a video game. Symptoms such as
these can be associated with painful and
sometimes permanently disabling injuries
or disorders of the nerves, muscles,
tendons, blood vessels, and other parts of
the body. These musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs) include carpal tunnel syndrome,
tendonitis, tenosynovitis, vibration
syndromes, and other conditions.
While researchers are not yet able to
answer many questions about MSDs,
there is general agreement that many
factors may be linked to their occurrence,
including medical and physical conditions,
stress and how one copes with it, overall
health, and how a person positions and
uses their body during work and other
activities (including playing a video
game). Some studies suggest that the
amount of time a person performs an
activity may also be a factor.
Some guidelines that may help you work
and play more comfortably and possibly
reduce your risk of experiencing an MSD
can be found in the Healthy Gaming
Guide at www.xbox.com. These
guidelines address topics such as:
• Positioning yourself to use
comfortable, not awkward, postures.
• Keeping your hands, fingers, and
other body parts relaxed.
• Taking breaks.
• Developing a healthy lifestyle.
If you have questions about how your
own lifestyle, activities, or medical or
physical condition may be related to
MSDs, see a qualified health professional.
Hearing Loss
Extended exposure to high volumes
when using a headset may result in
temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Some unapproved third-party headsets
may produce higher sound levels than
approved Xbox 360 Headsets.
