Do you enjoy a salon hair wash or hair spa now and then? Well, recently, medical professionals have been highlighting one relatively rare, but alarming phenomenon known as Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome (BPSS). Though exceptional, there is a possible danger caused by the confluence of certain positions in the neck during beauty treatments.
Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome is a form of stroke resulting from damage or disruption to the vertebral artery in the neck. This artery is one of the major blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Prolonged or extreme neck hyperextension, such as when reclining backwards into a salon sink for a hair wash, can sometimes lead to compression or tearing of the vertebral artery. This may even lead to blood clots or decreased blood flow, and therefore, can cause a stroke.
Our expert, Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Hospital - Noida, revealed that though the syndrome is pretty rare, it makes one appreciate the fact that common activities in everyday life and even beauty treatments can significantly affect vascular health. We also discussed with him what BPSS is, how it develops, and, most importantly, how to minimise the risk. Here’s what he shared with us.
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Symptoms Of Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome
The symptoms of BPSS may not necessarily appear promptly, and hence paying attention to any of these symptoms after a neck-elongating beauty treatment is recommended. The symptoms include the following:
- Dizziness or dizziness
- Nausea
- Blurry or double-vision
- Speech slurred
- Weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
- Loss of balance or coordination
If these symptoms occur or feel worse during or within an hour of getting out of a salon, seek immediate medical help.
Who Is Affected With BPSS?
Risk factors for BPSS include:
- Previous conditions such as atherosclerosis or cervical spine problems
- Previous history of bleeding disorders
- Advanced age increases the number of rigid blood vessels
- Jerky or vigorous neck movement
How To Reduce The Risk Of Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome?
“Fortunately, the risk of BPSS can be drastically reduced by implementing the following methods by salon users and beauty stylists,” Dr Gulati shared. These may include:
1. Level the Salon Chair
Make sure the chair along with the basin is levelled comfortably to support your neck. Avoid extreme reclination of the head.
2. Use a Towel or Cushion
Placing a folded towel or a neck cushion between the neck and the sink can help reduce pressure on the vertebral artery.
3. Take Breaks During Prolonged Treatments
If a treatment requires extended neck positioning, ask for brief breaks to move your neck gently.
4. Communicate with Your Stylist
Inform your stylist of any pre-existing conditions or discomfort during the treatment. They can modify their techniques to prioritise your safety.
5. Good Neck Health Practice
Neck exercises, which involve regular stretching and strengthening, may improve vascular and musculoskeletal health in general, thereby reducing the chances of complications.
Bottomline
Though rare, awareness of Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome can help prevent the occurrence. It is possible to enjoy beauty treatments while keeping health issues at bay if one takes simple precautions and opens up to professionals at salons. Remember, your well-being comes first, hence, never compromise on comfort and safety while at a salon.