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Tag: Dies

  • What Is TikTok’s Benadryl Challenge? Teen Almost Dies After Attempting Viral Trend

    What Is TikTok’s Benadryl Challenge? Teen Almost Dies After Attempting Viral Trend

    A South Carolina teenager is lucky to be alive after trying TikTok’s dangerous ‘Benadryl Challenge’, a viral stunt that urges kids to swallow massive doses of the over-the-counter allergy drug.

    The incident occurred earlier this week in Horry County and left the teen hallucinating with a racing heart before being rushed to hospital in critical condition. The scare has reignited warnings from parents, doctors and regulators about the deadly risks of social media dares.

    What Is the Benadryl Challenge?

    The ‘Benadryl Challenge’ is a reckless trend spreading on TikTok and other platforms where users down alarming amounts of diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, to trigger hallucinations.

    Although diphenhydramine is safe when taken in correct doses to treat allergies or as a sleep aid, large quantities can act as a toxic hallucinogen.

    According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, overdosing can lead to confusion, seizures, psychosis, coma or death.

    The challenge first came to public attention in 2020 after several hospitalisations and deaths were reported in the United States. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings at the time, urging young people to avoid the trend and calling on TikTok to remove content that promoted it.

    The South Carolina case

    In the latest case, the mother of the South Carolina teenager discovered her daughter in distress with a heart rate near 200 beats per minute. The girl was hallucinating and later required urgent medical care.

    According to reports, pill bottles and missing tablets were found hidden under her pillow. At first the teen claimed to have taken only two pills, but a larger number was missing.

    Doctors at the hospital questioned whether the ingestion had been a suicide attempt. The girl denied this, saying she had been told by a friend that taking enough Benadryl could cause a ‘high’.

    The mother also reported finding TikTok videos about the challenge on her daughter’s phone. She said she attempted to report the videos to the platform but was informed they did not breach community guidelines.

    Previous Fatalities Linked to the Trend

    The dangers of the Benadryl Challenge have been highlighted in several previous cases. In 2020, a 15-year-old girl in Oklahoma died after taking an overdose of diphenhydramine. That same year, multiple teenagers in Texas were hospitalised following overdoses reportedly linked to the trend.

    In 2023, 13-year-old Jacob Stevens from Ohio died after consuming up to 14 Benadryl tablets while friends filmed the attempt. He suffered seizures, was placed on a ventilator and never regained consciousness. His death prompted calls from his family for tighter controls on access to the drug.

    Health Warnings and Platform Response

    Medical professionals caution that diphenhydramine overdoses can cause serious anticholinergic toxicity, producing symptoms such as delirium, rapid heart rate, seizures, memory loss and in severe cases, organ failure.

    The FDA has previously warned that even modest overdoses can be life-threatening. TikTok has said that dangerous challenges are not permitted on its platform and that it blocks related search terms.

    However, families affected by these incidents continue to argue that harmful videos remain accessible and that reporting mechanisms are inadequate.

    IBTimes UK carried out a keyword search on TikTok and found no visible content under the term ‘Benadryl challenge’.

    Instead, users are directed to a safety notice that states: ‘Your Safety Matters. Some online challenges can be dangerous, disturbing, or even fabricated. Learn how to recognise harmful challenges so you can protect your health and well-being.’

    Originally published on IBTimes UK

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  • Colorado Man Dies During Routine Surgery After Distracted Doctors Silence Alarms to Play Music Bingo: Lawsuit

    Colorado Man Dies During Routine Surgery After Distracted Doctors Silence Alarms to Play Music Bingo: Lawsuit

    A Colorado man died during routine cataract surgery after his medical team allegedly silenced critical alarms while playing music bingo, according to a lawsuit filed by his widow.

    In February 2023, 56-year-old Bart Reiter underwent cataract surgery at InSight Surgery Center in Lone Tree, Colorado. His wife, Chris, was told she could run an errand and would be contacted when the procedure was finished, Local 12 reported. However, when Dr. Carl Stark Johnson, Reiter’s surgeon, met her in a parking lot near the hospital, he asked Chris if she believed in God and invited her to pray with him before telling her that her husband of 23 years had died.

    “It just didn’t make sense. Bart was 56. I mean, we skied every weekend. We bike together, we hike together,” Writer said, according to Atlanta News First.

    Staff noticed Reiter’s vital signs were abnormal 11 minutes into the procedure. He was rushed to a nearby medical center, where he later died.

    Although she initially believed her husband’s death was a tragic accident, Chris filed a lawsuit after another physician contacted her to raise concerns about her husband’s medical team. That doctor disclosed Dr. Johnson and anesthesiologist Dr. Michael Urban often played a game called “music bingo” during operations, a practice he described as a “major distraction.” The game involved Dr. Urban playing songs from his phone while the team guessed the tunes.



    According to depositions obtained by 9News, both doctors were playing the game during Reiter’s procedure. Further testimony revealed Dr. Urban had turned off a monitoring machine that would have alerted staff to Reiter’s deteriorating condition without informing Dr. Johnson.

    “Dr. Johnson relies on the anesthesiologist to provide the proper dose and type of anesthesia, to properly monitor the patient’s condition, and to communicate all relevant information to the surgeon including if they have elected, for whatever reason, to silence the audible alarms,” the surgeon’s attorney stated, according to 9News.

    Dr. Johnson stood by his practices and blamed the anesthesiologist for not “paying attention to the vital signs and doing his job.” Nonetheless, he and his legal team ultimately settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.

    Originally published on Latin Times

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  • Woman Suffocates, Dies During Cryotherapy Session at the Gym Due to Nitrogen Leak

    Woman Suffocates, Dies During Cryotherapy Session at the Gym Due to Nitrogen Leak

    A 29-year-old woman has died and another is in intensive care after a nitrogen leak during a cryotherapy session at a Paris gym led to a fatal case of suffocation, prompting a criminal investigation.

    Cryotherapy, which exposes the body to extreme cold for therapeutic purposes, typically involves nitrogen gas to achieve ultra-low temperatures. Safety concerns have persisted for years, with organizations like the European Industrial Gases Association warning in 2018 of asphyxiation risks tied to improper nitrogen use.

    Emergency services responded to an incident at the On Air gym in east-central Paris shortly before 6:30 p.m. local time on April 14, the Guardian reported. Two women were found in cardiorespiratory arrest, believed to be caused by a nitrogen leak in a cryotherapy chamber that had been repaired earlier that day.

    The 29-year-old victim, an employee of the gym, was declared dead on the scene. The second woman, aged 34, was listed in critical condition.

    Three others were hospitalized after attempting resuscitation, and 150 people were evacuated from the building. The Paris prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the incident, involving both police and workplace safety inspectors.

    An autopsy and toxicology report are pending to confirm the exact cause of death. Authorities are also scrutinizing the maintenance and safety protocols surrounding the repaired cryotherapy chamber.

    Originally published on Latin Times

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  • Healthy Young Man Nearly Dies From Stroke After Violent Sneeze Ruptures His Neck Artery

    Healthy Young Man Nearly Dies From Stroke After Violent Sneeze Ruptures His Neck Artery

    A fit and healthy young man in California is now facing a long and difficult recovery after suffering a major stroke, which nearly claimed his life. The stroke occurred after a seemingly harmless natural response—sneezing—caused a rupture in one of his neck arteries.

    Ian Applegate, a 35-year-old from Santa Cruz started experiencing alarming symptoms of stroke on Feb 9, after sneezing while sitting inside his car with his wife and their four-year-old son. It was Applegate’s first day back at work after being down with flu for a week.

    “I had just started the car and was getting ready to drive. I sneezed three times, then the third time it caused this blinding headache and made everything spin,” he recollected.

    Applegate suddenly felt an excruciating, blinding headache, intense dizziness that felt like the world was spinning, and severe shooting pain that radiated from his neck to the back of his head and left eye. Soon, he sensed pins and needles across his body and the entire left side including his face went numb.

    “The pain was excruciating. I was very disoriented and throwing up,” he said.

    Suspecting a stroke, he was quickly rushed to the Dominican Hospital in California. Doctors discovered that his violent sneeze had caused a vertebral artery dissection, which led to a blockage and interrupted blood flow to his brain, triggering the stroke.

    Vertebral artery dissection can occur without any clear cause but most likely occurs in people with certain health conditions, such as smoking, high blood pressure, or genetic disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (issues of connective tissues). It can also result from neck injuries such as from car accidents, heavy weightlifting, or even sneezing. Other risks include yoga, chiropractic adjustments, or any situation involving sudden or prolonged neck movements.

    Applegate was immediately put on blood-thinning medication to prevent further clotting and reduce the risk of additional complications. However, the severe stroke left him with significant damage to his left side, leaving him unable to swallow or walk without assistance, even a month after the incident.

    “It was a pretty hard sneeze but I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life. I never thought this was possible. I’m scared to sneeze now. My wife is eight months pregnant and I want to be there for the delivery.”

    “I can tell I’m going to struggle to take care of myself and the baby. I just want to be home in time for the baby’s birth. I’m trying to stay positive and continue my exercises until I get better,” he said.

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  • Teen Dies From Rare Brain Tumor After Unusual Symptoms; Heartbroken Mom Urges Others To Recognize Signs

    Teen Dies From Rare Brain Tumor After Unusual Symptoms; Heartbroken Mom Urges Others To Recognize Signs

    When 12-year-old Jody tripped and fell multiple times, had trouble walking straight, and struggled to fasten her shirt buttons, her mother never suspected it could be a sign of something serious—until doctors delivered the devastating news of a rare brain tumor.

    After years of battling the disease, Jody passed away in 2022, at the age of 16, and her heartbroken mother, Sarah Levett, from Surrey in South East England, now raises awareness about the condition, hoping that parents could spot the signs as soon as possible.

    Levett, who is organizing a fundraiser next month for the Brain Tumor Charity in her daughter’s memory, says she does it so no other parent or child has to endure the unimaginable heartbreak they experienced.

    When Jody first experienced symptoms like migraines, difficulty with balance, and frustration that led to screaming fits, Levett thought it might be related to her autism. But during a check-up, doctors discovered that Jody was in the advanced stages of a rare brain tumor.

    “It was absolutely terrifying. As the doctor spoke about how big the tumor was, I couldn’t take it all in,” Levett recollected the moments following the diagnosis.

    “I just wanted it gone. But I tried as hard as I could to hide how scared I was, as Jody was so young. I didn’t want her to worry – in fact, she was more bothered about the fact she was unable to go to school. She started bumping into things, like a wheelie bin on the pavement, only a few months before the diagnosis,” she said.

    Jody underwent treatment for around 10 months, including a surgery that removed 80% of the tumor, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy until she was stable. However, a year later, a follow-up scan revealed that the tumor had returned.

    As Jody’s condition rapidly declined, she underwent four more surgeries and doctors discovered a brain bleed before she tragically died.

    “The main aim [of the fundraiser] is to continue the awareness of brain tumors and changes needed, and the lack of mental health support for bereaved parents. I know there’s a lot of strain on healthcare at the moment, but I really don’t want any other parents or children to have to go through the unimaginable heartbreak like we have done,” Levett said.

    Brain tumors may present with symptoms such as seizures, balance issues, behavioral changes, slurred speech, fatigue, weakness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

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  • Dad Dies Year After Brain Tumor Diagnosis, Doctor Initially Dismissed Symptoms As Stress, Accused Him Of Faking

    Dad Dies Year After Brain Tumor Diagnosis, Doctor Initially Dismissed Symptoms As Stress, Accused Him Of Faking

    A 53-year-old U.K. man with troubling signs, including headaches and jumbled speech, was initially dismissed as stressed. His doctor even accused him of faking symptoms before being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. A year later, he died. Now, his daughter is running a marathon to raise awareness and money for cancer research.

    Stephen Blakeston, from Hull, England, started experiencing massive headaches and was jumbling up sentences when his wife noticed the symptoms and took him to a doctor in October 2010.

    “I couldn’t believe it when we visited the GP, who dismissed his symptoms as stress-related and even said he was faking, something I know my dad wouldn’t do,” Blakeston’s daughter Hollie Rhodes recollected.

    Blakeston later got a CT scan done and realized that a tumor was growing on the left side of his brain, which was affecting his speech. He underwent surgery soon, and a biopsy confirmed that the tumor was a glioblastoma, a fast-growing, incurable cancer, leaving him with just 12-18 months to live.

    After the surgery, Blakeston underwent intensive radiotherapy and two rounds of chemotherapy to halt the growth of the tumor and scans showed no signs of further regrowth.

    However, around 9 months later, Blakeston suddenly collapsed and died after a blood clot, believed to be related to his treatment, or the tumor traveled to his heart.

    “It was horrible for us to lose him so suddenly, but there is some comfort in knowing it was quick and likely the way he would have wanted to go. I’ll always miss hearing his laugh,” Rhodes said.

    Glioblastoma is a fairly common form of brain tumor, with more than 13,000 Americans are diagnosed with it every year. The symptoms vary but often include persistent headaches, nausea, confusion, memory loss, and personality changes. Other signs to watch out for include vision problems, speech difficulties, muscle weakness, and seizures, especially in those without a history of them.

    “It’s the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, so it should absolutely be a priority to stop these deaths. It almost feels like people view brain tumors as a final prognosis. That whole narrative needs to change because more funding in research would bring hope to those impacted,” said Rhodes, who is running the London Marathon to raise money for Brain Tumor Research.

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  • Bird Flu Claims First US Victim As Louisiana Man Dies in Hospital

    Bird Flu Claims First US Victim As Louisiana Man Dies in Hospital

    A patient that had been hospitalized with avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu, has died, marking them the first person to have died in the U.S. from the disease.

    The patient at a Louisiana hospital was older than 65, and had underlying medical conditions, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

    The patient, who is not being named, is believed to have contracted the virus after exposure to non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds, officials said.

    There have been no other reports of humans hospitalized from bird flu in Louisiana.

    A genetic analysis of the bird flu contracted by the patient found that it had mutated while inside of their body, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to have labeled it “concerning” in a previous report.

    However, no transmissions of the virus from person-to-person have been reported.

    Despite the recent death, bird flu remains low risk for the public. The Louisiana Department of Health recommends refraining from touching dead animals, or bringing sick or injured birds inside your home. Officials added that pets should be kept away as well.

    Undercooked or uncooked food should also be treated with caution, and should only be eaten after being cooked all the way.

    Two different vaccinations against the virus have been compiled by the Biden administration. However, officials do not have plans to distribute them unless the disease becomes more prevalent among people, NBC News reported.

    Originally published by Latin Times.

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