Man Develops ‘Headspin Hole’ — a Tumor on His Scalp — After Years of Breakdancing

Mar. 15, 2025

Stock photo of a breakdancer doing a headspin.Photo:Stock Image/Getty

Stock Image/Getty

While the sport is rising in popularity after itscontroversial inclusionin the2024 Olympics, researchers in Denmark have discovered a risk associated with repetitive headspins.

The move is popular within the breaking community and involves a person balancing on their head while spinning their body.

The case study focuses on a man in his early 30s who was treated for a benign tumor — a “headspin hole” according to doctors — after breakdancing for two decades.

The dancer developed the “scalp protuberance over 5 years of extensive head-spinning practice,” per the abstract.

“This repetitive strain on the skull, scalp and skin likely triggers inflammation, and over time, minor bleeding may lead to thickened skin and scar tissue, forming the characteristic bulge,” noted neurosurgery specialist Christian Baastrup Søndergaard, who co-authored the study with Mikkel Bundgaard Skotting.

Stock image of a breakdancer.Stock Image/Getty

Ars Technicareports that, at the time of the study, the man practiced breakdancing skills five days a week in 90-minute sessions. He focused on headspins in 2- to 7-minute increments.

When the patient’s tumor was removed, he felt relief. “It’s great to be able to go out in public without a cap or hat,” he said. “Many people tell me they don’t notice the bump anymore and that my head looks completely normal.”

It is unclear if the dancer continues to practice breakdancing and headspins.

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In an interview withUPI, clinical professor and concussion specialist Dr. Angela Lumba-Brown suggested that breakdancers take preventative measures to avoid overuse injuries.

“I would recommend using a helmet when you’re doing any kind of breakdancing, such as repeated headspins, that involves this type of strain on your head,” she said.

source: people.com