Doctors warn of stroke syndrome while washing hair

For most people, a salon hair wash is a moment of great relaxation. But doctors warn that if you're not careful, you could suffer a dangerous stroke syndrome.

Dr Arun Naik, a neurosurgeon from India, took to social media to highlight the dangers of tilting your neck too far over the sink . This uncomfortable position can compress or damage the arteries in your neck, thereby restricting the blood supply to your brain. In mild cases, this can cause dizziness, blurred vision, paralysis, and slurred speech. But if the arteries are compressed for a longer period of time, it can lead to a fatal stroke, according to the Daily Mail .

Who is at higher risk?

People with high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of neck problems are at higher risk of stroke, Dr. Naik added.

Doctors coined the term “Hair Salon Stroke Syndrome” when the first case occurred in the United States in 1993. Since then, several other cases have been documented in the medical literature, including a 50-year-old woman whose “Hair Salon Stroke Syndrome” was initially mistaken for a bowel problem.

For most people, a salon hair wash is a moment of great relaxation. But doctors warn to be careful - Photo: Pexels

A mother of two, Adele Burns, from Glasgow, also suffered a stroke at a hair salon in 2016 after having her hair dyed in a process that required six shampoos. She was unable to speak, see or move for 24 hours.

Another case, Elizabeth Smith, from San Diego (USA), also suffered a stroke because both the sink and chair were not adjusted to fit her small figure, causing her neck to be overstretched.

Tips to Prevent "Barber Shop Stroke Syndrome"

Dr Naik advises those who regularly visit salons to keep these tips in mind to help prevent "Salon Stroke Syndrome".

First, make sure your neck is fully supported when leaning against the sink.

Dr. Naik suggests asking to place a towel or cushion under the neck to prevent the neck from tilting too far back and "hyperextending."

Adjusting the recliner or lowering the height of the sink so that the neck is not pulled too far back may also help.

Another important tip is to simply take a break. Dr. Naik suggests changing positions to relieve tension in your neck.

Also be aware of the symptoms of a stroke, which include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness and headache. Stroke patients often have drooping of the face, difficulty raising both arms and slurred speech.

If you experience any unusual symptoms during or after shampooing, notify the salon owner and seek medical attention immediately.

Dr. Naik recommends that people with a history of neck or vascular problems should let their shampooer know so they can choose a more suitable shampooing position.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability. The problem occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. The damage can lead to long-term disability and, in the worst cases, death, according to the Daily Mail.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-canh-bao-hoi-chung-dot-quy-khi-dang-nam-goi-dau-185241121212949916.htm