Introduction
Salon stroke, also known as beauty parlour stroke, is a rare condition that can occur suddenly as a result of neck manipulation or massage, which reduces blood flow to the brain and may harm certain parts of the brain.
Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, a history of brain stroke, or cardiac conditions make people more vulnerable to this occurrence.
It is common for women to get their hair washed in a salon before getting their hair trimmed or otherwise, and the process is often enjoyable and relaxing. However, according to a recent incident a 50-year-old lady who was getting her hair washed at a salon, had dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, which was subsequently determined to be a stroke.
She was first sent to a gastroenterologist, who just treated her symptoms. Her symptoms persisted, and the following day she started to walk with a slight unbalance. She had slight right cerebellar symptoms. The right posterior inferior cerebellar region indicated an infarct on an MRI of the brain, and left vertebral hypoplasia was seen on an MR angiography. A right PICA territory-related diagnosis of beauty parlour stroke syndrome was made. Possible mechanisms include the vertebral artery kinking during hyperextension and the neck moving towards the washbasin when shampooing the hair.
Salon stroke – who is at risk?
Although absolutely healthy young individuals can also have this issue, especially if they are obese or heavy smokers, those with pre-existing conditions including diabetes, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, previous history of brain stroke, or cardiac problems are more likely to encounter a stroke like this.
Is a salon stroke different from a stroke?
There is no such difference between stroke and salon stroke. As the name salon stroke suggests, it is just a stroke that happened in the salon. That is why it is referred to as ‘salon stroke’.
A stroke, sometimes referred to as a brain attack, occurs when the blood supply is interrupted to parts of the brain or when blood vessels in the brain burst. It generally originates from the heart and its main arteries and can be caused due to mechanical compression or rupture of blood vessels in the neck.
Regular stroke affects the vital arteries (responsible for transmitting blood to the head, face, and brain) in the neck.
Common disorders from salon hair wash
Spinal damages: According to research published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, bending your neck over a sink at a hair salon can seriously harm your spine. Neck discomfort may develop and linger for many days.
Cervical Radiculopathy: A frequent condition that is increased by leaning too far in the sink is cervical radiculopathy, sometimes described as a ‘pinched nerve.’ Salon sinks can potentially cause cervical radiculopathy due to a stretched nerve caused by a herniated disc in the neck or upper spine.
Narrowing of Spinal Canal: According to medical professionals, excessive hunching can narrow the spinal canal close to the nerve root, placing pressure on the vertebrae and resulting in discomfort.
Precautions to take for preventing salon stroke
- Avoid pulling your neck too far back because jerky movements might harm your arteries and blood vessels. Gently lean back while stretching.
- Pay attention to your body. Tell your beauty expert if you experience any pain or discomfort as you lean your head over the shampoo sink.
- Prevent any form of severe neck positioning. Never lean your head back from the sink more than 180 degrees.
- Be sure you go to a good salon. To ensure the highest level of comfort, salon equipment must adhere to safety regulations and be of a sink. A stronghold on the sink is necessary to sustain the neck in the right posture.
- Always ask for lukewarm water to wash your hair.
- People with pre-existing health conditions should be more cautious.
Final thoughts
When getting a wash at the hair salon, having your head bowed backwards or hyperextended incorrectly that too for a long time might result in beauty parlour stroke syndrome.
The easiest method to avoid beauty parlour stroke syndrome is to never hyperextend your neck, especially for an extended length of time. You should also make sure your neck is properly supported when getting your hair washed at the salon. (Even a towel on the wash basin’s cradle would work!)
Although the condition of the beauty parlour stroke is not known to be lethal, a stroke at the base of the brain can have catastrophic and long-lasting repercussions. Get to the doctor as soon as you can if you or a loved one exhibits any sort of stroke symptoms.
