While many perceive a visit to the hairdresser as a soothing and indulgent experience, an uncommon condition known as beauty parlor stroke syndrome (BPSS) poses a significant health risk for a select group of individuals during seemingly benign procedures such as hair washing.

What circumstances might transform a trip to the salon into a medical crisis? Studies indicate that maintaining an awkward posture at the backwash basins commonly found in salons can lead to cervical discomfort and injury, and in extremely rare cases, trigger a potentially fatal stroke.

First documented in 1993 by American neurologist Michael Weintraub, BPSS was identified when patients reported acute stroke-like symptoms post hair shampooing. A stroke, described as a brain attack, occurs when there is a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain, typically due to a clot or a ruptured blood vessel, compromising the supply of vital nutrients and oxygen to brain cells.

During the shampooing process, clients are often instructed to recline with their heads positioned precariously over the basin. Research indicates that this overextension, combined with sudden, vigorous movements while shampooing, can compress major arteries supplying blood to critical regions of the brain.

While strokes are often associated with older adults or individuals with conditions like hypertension or diabetes, younger, seemingly healthy individuals may also fall victim. BPSS appears to predominantly affect women over 50, particularly those with a history of vascular issues or cervical spine arthritis, but can manifest in anyone irrespective of age or health status.

Notably, a Swiss study conducted in 2016 recorded a mere ten cases of BPSS from 2002 to 2013, underscoring its rarity relative to typical strokes. However, awareness of its symptoms remains crucial. Key indicators of BPSS include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, neck pain, and unilateral paralysis, with some patients experiencing near loss of consciousness.

Given that symptoms may not present immediately, it complicates the diagnostic process, making misidentification as a conventional stroke plausible.

Precautions

If concerns regarding BPSS arise or if discomfort is experienced while using a backwash sink, consider leaning forward instead of tilting your head back. If avoiding a backwash is not feasible, request additional neck support.

The speed and forcefulness of shampooing, along with prolonged positioning, can exacerbate risks. Thus, a gentle washing technique, minimizing time spent at the backwash, and promptly notifying your stylist of any discomfort can greatly reduce potential hazards.

For the majority, hairdresser visits are safe and enhance mental well-being and self-esteem. Let us not abandon this cherished ritual; instead, let’s use preventive measures, such as neck support, to continue enjoying our pampering sessions.

Maria Ashioti, Senior Lecturer, Neuroscience, Inflammatory Disorders and Therapeutics, University of Westminster

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.