The tilted head position of hairdressers’ sinks leaves customers at risk of salon stroke syndrome.
Going to the hairdresser is often considered a relaxing and pampering experience, but a rare condition known as salon stroke syndrome (BPSS) can, for a small number of people, make a shampoo at the hairdresser a serious health threat.
How can a trip to the hairdresser turn into a health emergency?
A suggests that the fact that sitting at an inappropriate angle in the sinks used to wash hair in many salons can cause neck pain, injuries and – on very rare occasions – 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 stroke symptoms after having washed their hair during a trip to the 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 of a blood clot – or by the rupture and rupture of a major blood vessel in the brain – leading to a reduction in oxygen, glucose and nutrients that damages and kills brain cells.
During the shampooing process, customers are typically asked to sit down and tilt your head back over the edge of the sink. Research suggests that excessive extension of the head and neck over the rigid edge of the sink is the main cause of BPSS.
Unusual neck position, rotation of the neck, or sudden jerking movements during vigorous shampooing can cause the backbones of the upper spinal column, around the neck area, to collapse. push against one of the main blood vessels that supply blood to the back and bottom of the brain.
Some cases of BPSS have also been caused by bone spurs – small fragments of bone from protuberances in the spine – which can compress or tear the artery that lies next to them.
Strokes are often associated with older people and people with health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, but young, healthy people can also suffer strokes.
Although research suggests that BPSS is more likely to occur in women over 50 – and that a previous history of narrowing or thinning of blood vessels and spinal arthritis in the neck are specific risk factors – can happen to anyone, regardless of age or medical history.
Signs include headaches, dizziness, vertigo, blurred or reduced vision, nausea, vomiting, neck pain 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 over a conventional stroke.
Precautions
If you are concerned that you may suffer from BPSS or if you experience pain and discomfort when using a backwash sink, ask to be lean forward over the sink instead of extending your head back over the edge of the sink. If you can’t avoid a back wash at the salon, ask for neck support while washing your hair.
The speed at which the hair is washed, the time it takes and any force or sudden movement of the head and neck during washing contribute to the risk. Request a gentle washtry not to remain in the washing position for longer than necessary and inform your hairdresser if you feel any discomfort during washing.
Having your hair washed at a hairdresser is generally a safe and enjoyable activity for most people. Most of the time, going to the hairdresser is important for mental health, self-esteem and confidence. So let’s not throw the towel out of our hair just yet – use it as a neck support while we’re being pampered.
