Khaberni - Hair washing and scalp massage are among the most anticipated relaxation moments during a salon visit, yet doctors warn that this simple step may pose a rare but serious health risk.
According to the New York Post, tilting the head back for an extended period while washing hair may compress or tear the vertebral arteries responsible for feeding blood to the brain, which can cause a stroke known as "Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome" (BPSS).
Documented cases over half a century
A recent medical review published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine in May, noted that there have been 54 cases of this syndrome over 48 years, 42 of which occurred in beauty salons, 8 during dental procedures, and 4 in other places.
The researchers explained that the common cause lies in excessive neck extension during hair washing or mouth examination, which may lead to tearing of the arteries that supply blood to the brain.
A real story that highlights the risk
The case of American Elizabeth Smith is one of the most famous examples; she suffered a tear in one of her neck arteries two weeks after having her hair washed in a California salon.
Smith said in press statements after filing a lawsuit against the salon: "I sleep every night wondering: Will I wake up tomorrow?", noting that the position she was forced into at the sink caused her vertebral artery to be cut, resulting in loss of balance, weakness in her left hand, and damage to her left eye.
Symptoms to pay attention to
The symptoms of the syndrome vary depending on the extent of damage to the blood vessels and include:
Sudden paralysis or weakness on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg)
Dizziness and loss of balance
Confusion or double vision
Sudden headache
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
The review reported that dizziness, balance disorders, and headache were the most common symptoms.
Treatment options and outcomes
Treatment varies from clot-dissolving medications, placing stents in the arteries, to surgical intervention in some cases, while outcomes range from complete recovery, persistent symptoms, or death in severe cases.
American neurologist Jeremy M. Lev stated that the risk of the syndrome does not mean completely avoiding visits to beauty salons, but advises taking simple precautionary measures, including:
Supporting the neck with a pillow or rolled towel to avoid excessive backward extension
Washing hair using a handheld showerhead while sitting
Immediately informing the stylist if any discomfort or pain is felt during the hair washing
