A neurologist has warned that sitting on the toilet for too long can lead to a serious medical emergency, including a brain bleed. Dr Baibing Chen, known online as Dr Bing, shared a video on TikTok explaining the risks.
Dr Chen showed a CAT scan of a brain bleed and recounted the case of a 50-year-old patient who fainted after sitting on the toilet for 30 minutes. The patient fell, hit his head, and was found to have a subdural haematoma.
The doctor explained that prolonged sitting allows gravity to pool blood in the legs. When standing up suddenly, blood redistributes, and if insufficient blood reaches the brain, it can cause fainting. Straining during bowel movements can further reduce blood flow to the brain.
Dr Chen advised keeping bathroom visits short and staying hydrated. He also suggested putting away phones to avoid prolonged sitting. The Mayo Clinic adds that sitting too long on the toilet is a common cause of haemorrhoids due to increased pressure on rectal veins.
