by Going to the hairdresser is often considered a relaxing, indulgent treat, but a rare condition known as beauty salon stroke syndrome (BPSS) can make a hair salon shampoo a serious health threat for a small number of people.
How can a visit to the hairdresser turn into a health emergency? Research shows that sitting at an uncomfortable angle near the sinks used in many salons for washing hair can cause neck pain, injury and – in very rare cases – even a life-threatening stroke.
BPSS was first identified in 1993 by American neurologist Michael Weintraub, who discovered that some of his patients had developed severe symptoms related to a stroke after washing their hair with shampoo during a visit to a hairdresser.
A stroke is a brain attack caused by a sudden reduction in blood flow to the brain. It is usually caused by a blockage by a blood clot – or the tearing and bursting of a major blood vessel in the brain – leading to a reduction in oxygen, glucose and nutrients that damage and kill brain cells.
During shampooing, the customer is usually asked to sit down and lean their head back over the edge of the sink. Research shows that overextending the head and neck over the stiff edge of the sink is the leading cause of BPSS.
The unusual neck position, neck rotation, or sudden jerking movements during vigorous shampooing can cause the upper spinal column around the neck area to press against one of the major blood vessels that supply blood to the back and bottom of the brain.
Some cases of BPSS are also caused by bone spurs (small bone fragments from lumps on the spine) that can compress or tear the artery next to them.
Strokes are often associated with the elderly and people with medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol – but young, healthy people can also have a stroke.
Although research shows that BPSS is most likely to occur in women over 50 – and a history of narrowing or thinning of the blood vessels and arthritis of the spine in the neck are particular risk factors – it can happen to anyone, regardless of age or medical history.
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A 2016 Swiss study found only ten cases of BPSS in the period 2002-2013. Although BPSS is much rarer than a conventional stroke, it is still important to be aware of its symptoms. What should you pay attention to?
Signs of BPSS include headache, lightheadedness, lightheadedness, blurred or narrowed vision, nausea, vomiting, pain in the neck, and some paralysis on one side of the body. Some patients also report a near loss of consciousness.
Studies suggest that these symptoms may be delayed, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose BPSS instead of a conventional stroke.
Precautionary measures
If you are concerned about BPSD or experience pain and discomfort when using a sink, ask to lean forward over the sink instead of leaning your head back over the edge of the sink. If it is not possible to avoid a backwash in the salon, ask for neck support during hair washing.
The speed at which the hair is washed, how long it takes and any force or jerking motion on the head and neck during washing all contribute to the risk. Ask for a gentle wash, try not to stay in position when rinsing back longer than necessary and inform your hairdresser if you experience any discomfort during the wash.
Shampooing at the hairdresser is generally a safe and enjoyable activity for most people. For the most part, going to the hairdresser is important for mental health, self-esteem and self-confidence. So let’s not throw in the hair towel just yet; instead, use it as a neck rest while we get pampered.
Maria Ashioti, Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience, Inflammatory Diseases and Therapeutics, University of Westminster
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
