Brian Jeffrey
A concerning habit is emerging among youth, known as the “pen challenge,” which involves applying significant pressure on the neck’s arteries. This dangerous trend can quickly lead to severe, even life-threatening, outcomes.
On social media, users have described this act as inducing a sensation of floating and often experiencing a brief loss of consciousness, only to be revived by friends afterwards.
Many students are drawn to the “pen challenge,” with videos circulating online showing their participation.
Dr. Doan Du Manh from St. Paul General Hospital in Hanoi has expressed worry after viewing videos of young individuals joyfully engaging in this risky trend online.
As per Dr. Manh, pressing hard on the neck’s arteries can result in blockage or rupturing. This severe action disturbs cerebral blood flow, leading to potential seizures, fainting spells, and strokes. For those with pre-existing heart conditions or hypertension, this behavior poses critical risks.
Those involved may feel faint temporarily. Once their friends revive them, they might experience a false sense of relief.
Associate Professor Nguyen Huy Thang, Vice President of the Vietnam Stroke Association, corroborated the high risks associated with this practice. Applying pressure to both sides of the carotid arteries drastically reduces the blood reaching the brain, which relies on these arteries for approximately 70-80% of its blood supply.
Sudden pressure can induce dizziness, fainting, and brief unconsciousness. Extended compression threatens to cause strokes as blood supply is curtailed. This risk is heightened for individuals who may have undiscovered narrowed blood vessels, endangering their lives.
Additionally, excessive pressure can harm the carotid artery. Dr. Thang recalls treating a young woman in 2008 who suffered paralysis on one side after her son accidentally crushed her neck while playing, resulting in carotid artery dissection.
The neck contains vital blood vessels, especially the carotid arteries, which provide oxygen to the brain. Incorrectly applying pressure can lead to serious cardiovascular issues.
Dr. Thang states that pressing on the neck can stimulate the carotid sinus, potentially slowing heart rates or leading to cardiac arrest. Therefore, people are advised against self-massaging or applying pressure to their necks.
The neck arteries are particularly fragile, and applying pressure can interrupt blood flow. While this is a method used by first responders for individuals with severe blood loss, it should only be performed by trained professionals to prevent fatalities from excessive loss of blood.
