Bizarre tongue-splitting trend may lead to haemorrhage and nerve damage

Piercing and tattoos have been popular for a young people across the globe as new trends keep emerging. But some people take their fondness for these accessories to another level as they take up bizarre practices.

The popularity of tongue splitting is one such bizarre phenomenon which has left doctors worried as it raises serious health concerns. The procedure which involves cutting the tongue from the middle to make it resemble that of a lizard puts people at risk of haemorrhage, infections and nerve damage.

Experts believe that a large number of people who go for it are unaware of the serious long term effects on their health. Struggling to breathe and swallow are also cited among dangerous consequences of tongue-splitting.

Not being covered by any legislation means that the practice is currently unregulated. The first case of tongue-splitting was reported in 1996 when a 19-year-old body piercing enthusiast did it to himself.