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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a report Thursday that indicates more youths are dying from a tragic fad called "the choking game."

The youths are using dog leashes, choke collars, computer cords and bungee cords to wrap around their necks to temporarily cut the flow of blood to the brain, creating a feeling of euphoria.

At least 82 youths ages 6 to 16 have died since 1995 playing the game, which is also sometimes called the "blackout game" or the "pass-out game," the CDC reported.

The game has been around for years, but the Atlanta-based organization's report is the government's first count of such fatalities. CDC analyzed media reports and information from advocacy groups of deaths attributed to the game.

Three or fewer choking game-related deaths each year were reported in the news media from 1995 to 2004, the report said. However, 22 deaths occurred in 2005, and 35 were reported in 2006. Nine deaths occurred in the first 10 months of 2007, the CDC said. The explanation for the decrease last year is unclear. But researchers said the study probably underestimates the number of deaths. Death certificates lack the detail to distinguish between unintentional strangulation and the choking game, the CDC said.

While the intent is to temporarily cut off the blood flow, death or serious injury can result if strangulation is prolonged.

Some area police investigators say they know of no deaths attributed to the game.

CDC found that most of the deaths occurred when a child engaged in the choking game alone.

Most parents are not even unaware the game exists, the agency said, however many youths learn about it from friends, the Internet and Web sites such as Youtube.

"As a parent, I would be concerned. This is the type of situation where you could have good kids who would not bring alcohol or drugs into the house, and this is an alternative," Attleboro Detective Sgt. Arthur Brillon said.

Most of the fatalities - 87 percent - were boys, and most occurred among youths 11 to 16 years old.

"Because most parents in the study had not heard of the choking game, we hope to raise awareness of the choking game among parents, health care providers and educators so they can recognize warning signs of the activity," said Robin L. Toblin, the study's lead author.

"This is especially important because children themselves may not appreciate the dangers of this activity," Toblin said.

The CDC said more research is needed to identify risk factors that may contribute to youths playing the game, and to determine what might help to discourage it. Signs that a child might be engaging in the behavior include talking about the game, which is also sometimes called "space monkey."

Other signs include bloodshot eyes, marks on the neck, severe headaches, disorientation after spending time alone, or the presence of ropes, scarves and belts tied to bedroom furniture, doorknobs or found knotted on the floor.

Parents should be suspicious for the unexplained presence of things like dog leashes, choke collars and bungee cords.

If parents believe their child is playing the choking game, they should speak to them about the life-threatening dangers associated with the game and seek additional help if necessary.

For additional information, go to: www.cdc.gov/mmwr