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On Instagram, a neurosurgeon warns: a trivial detail at your hairdresser can put your life in danger by causing a stroke. The case is rare, but has happened several times.
“Are you taking the baccalaureate, ma’am?” At the hairdresser, this phrase is often the sign of a good moment of relaxation: that of shampoo and the associated massage. But according to Indian neurosurgeon Arun Naik, the position taken while shampooing could expose you to an unknown risk.
An extended neck can compress the arteries
On his Instagram account, the doctor explains that it is possible to suffer from a stroke, a stroke, when the neck is bent too far backwards, during the duration of shampooing.
“When the neck is hyperextended or poorly positioned while lying on the back in a salon sink, compressing or damaging the arteries of the neck, particularly thevertebral artery. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, which can trigger a stroke.” he explains in his post.
A risk that is too little known
The vertebral arteries, which run through the neck and supply blood to the brain, are vulnerable to injury when the neck is extended too far backwards or held in a tense position for a prolonged period of time. Disruption of blood flow can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, numbness, slurred speech, or even a full-blown stroke.
Does this seem a bit far-fetched to you? The expert is not wrong, however. Daily life Daily Mail reports that in 2016, Adele Burns, originally from Glasgow, suffered a stroke in a beauty salon after having to wash her hair six times following coloring. She was unable to speak, see or move for 24 hours.
In another case, Elizabeth Smith of San Diego claimed she suffered a stroke because neither the bowl nor the chair fit her small frame, causing her neck to overextend.
What you need to know to avoid beauty salon syndrome
No need to cancel all your next hairdresser appointments though. By revealing this possible risk, the neurosurgeon also indicates the few important actions to be aware of.
- Choose adequate neck support : Make sure your neck is properly supported while your hair is washed. Ask for a towel or cushion to place under your neck to prevent hyperextension;
- Request to adjust the position of the sink: if possible, adjust the salon chair or ask the hairdresser to lower the height of the sink so that your neck is not stretched too far back;
- Take breaks: if you sit in an uncomfortable position for a long time, take breaks or change positions to relieve any tension in your neck;
- Pay attention to the symptoms: if you start to feel dizzy, dizzy or experience any unusual symptoms during or after washing your hair, notify the hairdresser and seek medical attention immediately;
- Tell us about your medical history: If you have a history of neck or blood vessel problems, tell salon staff and consider alternative hair washing techniques, such as using a handheld sprayer while seated .
Slide: Everything you need to know about stroke and its symptoms