On phone call while using stairs can be dangerous, says neurologist, after Shashi Tharoor suffers fracture on the Parliament stairs

A single misstep while distracted can lead to serious injuries, and Shashi Tharoor’s recent stumble on the Parliament stairs is a striking reminder. While descending the Parliament stairs, Tharoor missed a step, resulting in a twisted ankle. Colleagues, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other MPs, quickly assisted him. A tweet from the Office of Dr Shashi Tharoor confirmed later that it was a fracture.

Apollo neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar explained on X that this incident is about how the brain handles multitasking. Walking, especially on stairs, demands full attention, and adding a phone call can shift focus, slow reaction time, and turn a simple step into a potential accident.

Dr Sudhir Kumar highlighted that when going downstairs, the brain is actively managing balance, depth perception, foot placement, and split-second corrections. Introducing a phone call divides attention, increasing the likelihood of missteps. He notes that many serious head injuries he treats arise from simple falls rather than major accidents.



To prevent such incidents, Dr Kumar advised avoiding phone use while walking on stairs, crossing roads, navigating uneven surfaces, or driving. He emphasised that the brain can only focus on either movement or phone activity, not both safely.

The neurologist also shared a simple safety hack: pause the call, look carefully at each step, and hold the railing. This small shift in focus can protect the brain and body from unnecessary risk. Dr Kumar’s advice serves as a practical reminder that even brief distractions can have serious consequences, making mindful attention essential in everyday movements.

After the stumble, Shashi Tharoor took to X and thanked those who helped him as he hobbled off. He shared that he took a small tumble after missing a step on the Parliament stairs. There is some pain, a twisted ankle, and bruised knuckles, but he doesn’t believe anything is broken. He managed a series of meetings from 4 to 7:30 pm, including with two Ambassadors, from his home office with his foot resting on a stool. An X-ray is planned to confirm there’s no fracture, leaving just a few sore spots and a bruised ego.


However, Office of Dr Shashi Tharoor later tweeted with an update that an X-ray confirmed his injury as a fracture. He is in good spirits and will continue with parliamentary work and other engagements as feasible, possibly using a wheelchair. The office also thanked everyone for their good wishes.