Breakdancers have been cautioned that repetitive headspins could result in the development of a “cone-head.”
This alert follows an incident concerning a man in his 30s from Denmark, who acquired a “breakdance bulge” after engaging in “extensive” breakdancing for nearly twenty years.
An MRI scan reveals the ‘breakdance bulge’ on the man’s head. Pic: BMJ Case Reports/PA
His training routine entailed approximately five sessions weekly, each lasting around 1.5 hours, which included two to seven minutes where stress was exerted on the head.
Despite the discomfort caused by the mass and its “aesthetically unpleasing” appearance, the man continued headspinning, donning a hat in public to conceal it, according to a publication in BMJ Case Reports.
Medical professionals dismissed cancer and other possible ailments before identifying a “headspin hole.”
“It appears as a fibrous mass on the scalp,” stated the medics.
“It is marked by hair loss, inflammation, numbness, and occasionally the formation of a lump on the scalp. In radiological terms, the designation ‘cone-head sign’ is utilized,” they noted.
The man sought medical assistance, and the lump was subsequently surgically excised.
In a statement following the procedure, the anonymous patient remarked: “The results are significantly improved compared to how it appeared previously, and I am pleased that I underwent the operation.
“I would opt to do it again if given the option. I can now appear in public without a cap/hat, which is indeed a delightful sensation.
“I have received a plethora of positive remarks, with many commenting on how well it has been done, praising my nice scar, and noting that my overall appearance has greatly enhanced. Numerous individuals mention that they hardly notice the bump and agree my head looks entirely normal now.”
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Breakdancing consists of various intricate and physically strenuous techniques that can exert pressure on specific body areas.
The complex nature of these maneuvers “makes breakdancers exceptionally susceptible to injuries,” the report indicated.
Dr. Christian Baastrup Sondergaard, one of the study’s co-authors and a neurosurgeon at Copenhagen University Hospital, conveyed to the PA news agency: “This report does not advocate against headspinning in its entirety.
“However, breakdancers experiencing the early signs of a breakdance bulge should contemplate reducing or entirely avoiding headspins, as ongoing practice may exacerbate the bulge’s size.”
He further added: “Though this is a rare condition predominantly seen in breakdancers, the effective surgical remedy in this situation illustrates that it is a viable route for alleviating symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for those impacted.
“As only a singular prior case has been documented, this instance contributes valuable insights to medical literature. It may encourage additional research concerning breakdancing-related injuries, potentially uncovering other underreported conditions or injury mechanisms.”
Breakdancing, also known as breaking, made its official appearance as an Olympic discipline at this summer’s Paris Games.
It captured significant attention following a distinctive and contentious performance by Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, who became the subject of ridicule for her routine, which subsequently went viral online.
