SELFIE-RELATED HEAD INJURIES: A PROSPECTIVE NEUROSURGICAL CASE SERIES

Abstract

Background: The widespread use of smartphones and social media has led to a new category of trauma—injuries sustained during selfie-taking. India contributes the largest share of selfie-related fatalities worldwide[1], but literature on neurosurgical implications remains limited. This paper presents a prospective case series of selfie-related head injuries, analyzing mechanisms, radiological patterns, management strategies, and outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of patients admitted with selfie-related head injuries at the Department of Neurosurgery, GRMC & JAH Gwalior, MP, India, between January 2023 and August 2025. Inclusion criteria were trauma sustained during selfie activity, evidence of head injury on CT, and informed consent. Data included demographics, mechanism, site of injury, GCS, imaging findings, management, and outcomes.

Results: Eighteen patients met inclusion criteria (mean age: 22.5 years; range 14–34). Males comprised 72%. Mechanisms included falls from height (61%), road accidents during selfies on motorbikes (22%), and collisions with stationary objects (17%). CT findings showed cerebral contusions (50%), epidural hematoma (22%), subdural hematoma (17%), skull fractures (33%), and diffuse axonal injury (5%). Six patients required craniotomy; two died. Five patients had delayed presentation (>6 hours) due to stigma or remote locations.

Conclusion: Selfie-related head trauma is an emerging and preventable cause of neurosurgical admission in young adults. Policy, behavioral, and technological interventions are essential.