A hair wash session at a beauty salon may sound like the ideal way to unwind after a long week, but a recent trip to a salon left an indelible mark on a 50-year-old woman who suffered a beauty parlour stroke during her hair wash before a haircut.
Also read Alice in Wonderland Syndrome
Doctors call it beauty parlour stroke syndrome
As per experts, the woman suffered a stroke because a key vessel supplying blood to the brain was pressed when she bent back her neck for the wash.
It occurs when the masseur applies firm pressure to the neck and head, occasionally twisting the neck to produce a cracking sound. As a result, tender vessels get injured. Typical symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, among others. The woman, like many stroke patients, has been prescribed lifelong medication.
What is Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome?
The term “beauty parlour stroke syndrome” was termed after it was first reported in 1993 in the US. It is a rare condition that could happen through any procedure or manipulation of the neck next to the arteries.
The neck has two major arteries, two in the front and two in the back. The back arteries, known as vertebral arteries, pass through the cervical vertebrae or cervical bone. A neck manipulation where the neck is hyperextended and sustained for a period could cause a tear in the arteries and result in a clot formation, interrupting the blood supply to the brain and leading to a stroke.
It is uncommon in healthy persons, but those with bone structure alterations may have a damaged artery when their neck is held in a hyperextended position.
How Does It Get Triggered?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. However, a pre-existing disease in the artery, known as atherosclerosis, triggers the beauty parlour stroke syndrome.
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty acid substances called plaque or atheroma, which can cause arteries to narrow, cutting off blood flow. The plaque can also rupture, causing a blood clot. Normal arteries, even when squeezed hard, will not be injured unless the pressure is excessive.
Should People Avoid Hair Wash At Salons Altogether?
Hair washing, vigorous neck massage, hair transplant performed by someone not technically qualified, chin raising, and cosmetic treatment could all result in a stroke at the salon. Salon employees must be medically trained. If a person has hypertension or another underlying health concern, they should inform the salon personnel and avoid procedures that may aggravate any underlying health issues.
People who want to pamper themselves with a hair wash should not extend their neck more than 20 degrees. During the head wash, it is also advised to retain a rolled towel at the nape of the neck.
Read the full insights about Medical Case Studies 2023: A Deep Dive into Rare and Peculiar Medical Phenomena
References
- Woman suffers ‘beauty parlour stroke’ during head bath before taking haircut in Hyderabad salon. Available at: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/trending/woman-suffers-beauty-parlour-stroke-during-head-bath-before-taking-haircut-in-hyderabad-salon-446824
- Hyderabad woman suffers rare stroke after hair wash in salon: All about this bizarre syndrome. Available at: https://www.indiatoday.in/health/story/hyderabad-woman-stroke-beauty-parlour-stroke-syndrome-symptoms-conditions-2291883-2022-11-01
- Kuriakose D, Xiao Z. Pathophysiology and treatment of stroke: present status and future perspectives. International journal of molecular sciences. 2020 Oct 15;21(20):7609.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you may also appreciate our courses on Artificial Intelligence in Stroke Emergency and Rapid Response in Emergency Room: Mastering adult resuscitation, paediatric care and stroke management, which delve into similar subjects.
If you are interested in exploring more medical courses visit our newest product Docquity Academy. This platform empowers esteemed doctors from across Southeast Asia and beyond to disseminate their insights and knowledge through courses they’ve meticulously crafted. Discover more medical courses and join us in advancing your learning journey!
About Docquity
Docquity is an AI-based state-of-the-art private & secure continual learning network of verified doctors, bringing you real-time knowledge from thousands of doctors worldwide. Today, Docquity has over 400,000 doctors spread across six countries in Asia.
Meet experts and trusted peers across Asia where you can safely discuss clinical cases, get up-to-date insights from webinars and research journals, and earn CME/CPD credits through certified courses from Docquity Academy. All with the ease of a mobile app available on Android & iOS platforms!
