Going to the hairdresser is commonly thought of a calming, pampering expertise, however a uncommon situation generally known as magnificence parlor stroke syndrome (BPSS) can, for a small variety of individuals, make a shampoo on the hairdresser’s a critical well being menace.
How might a visit to the hairdresser flip right into a well being emergency? Analysis suggests that sitting at a clumsy angle on the backwash basins used for hair washing in lots of salons may cause neck ache, damage and – on very uncommon events – even a life-threatening stroke.
BPSS was first recognized in 1993 by American Neurologist, Michael Weintraub, who discovered that a few of his sufferers had developed extreme stroke-related signs after having their hair shampooed throughout a go to to a hairdresser.
A stroke is a mind assault brought on by a sudden discount in blood circulate to the mind. It is often brought on by a blockage from a blood clot – or the tearing and bursting of a significant blood vessel within the mind – resulting in a discount of oxygen, glucose and vitamins that damages and kills mind cells.
In the course of the shampooing course of, shoppers are often requested to sit down down and hold their head again over the sting of the washbasin. Analysis suggests that overextending the top and neck over the inflexible rim of the sink is the first reason for BPSS.
The bizarre neck place, neck rotation or sudden jerking actions throughout vigorous shampooing may cause the backbones of the upper spinal column across the neck space to push towards one of many main blood vessels that provide blood to the again and backside of the mind.
Some instances of BPSS have additionally been brought on by bone spurs – tiny bone fragments from lumps on the backbone – that may both compress or tear the artery subsequent to them.
Strokes are sometimes related to older individuals and people with medical points corresponding to hypertension, diabetes or excessive ldl cholesterol – however younger, wholesome individuals can have strokes too.
Whereas analysis suggests BPSS is more than likely to happen in ladies over 50 – and former historical past of narrowing or thinning of blood vessels and arthritis of the spinal column within the neck are specific threat elements – it might occur to anybody no matter age or medical historical past.
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A 2016 Swiss research discovered solely ten situations of BPSS throughout 2002-2013 so, though BPSS is way rarer than typical stroke, it is nonetheless essential to concentrate on the signs. So, what must you look out for?
Indicators of BPSS embody headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred or narrowed imaginative and prescient, nausea, vomiting, ache within the neck and a few paralysis on one facet of the physique – some sufferers additionally report a close to lack of consciousness.
Research recommend that these signs could also be delayed, making it troublesome for medical doctors to diagnose BPSS slightly than a standard stroke.
Precautions
In case you’re fearful about BPSS or expertise ache and discomfort when utilizing a backwash sink, ask to lean ahead over the sink slightly than extending your head backwards over the rim of the basin. If it’s not potential to keep away from a backwash on the salon, ask for neck help throughout hair washing.
The pace at which the hair is washed, how lengthy it takes and any pressure or jerking motion to the top and neck whereas washing all contribute to the danger. Request a mild wash, attempt to not keep in place on the backwash longer than it’s important to and inform your hairdresser for those who expertise any discomfort throughout washing.
Hairdresser shampooing is a typically secure and satisfying exercise for most individuals. For probably the most half, going to the hairdresser is essential for psychological well being, vanity and confidence. So let’s not throw within the hair towel simply but – use it as a neck help whereas we’re being pampered as a substitute.
Maria Ashioti, Senior Lecturer, Neuroscience, Inflammatory Problems and Therapeutics, College of Westminster
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