Important Health Warnings About Playing Video Games - Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite User Manual

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PhotosensitiveSeizures
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.
musculoskeletaldisorders
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,
4
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.