Introduction:
Everyday work-life stress shows a significant impact on a person’s physical appearance. Monthly grooming by beauty professionals helps to rejuvenate skin and hair, which makes a person feel good about the appearance, which in turn boosts self-confidence. Hence, a parlor visit is a joyous occasion to relax mentally and physically by showing much-deserved love to skin and hair. However, the relaxation can take an unpleasant turn with the occurrence of salon-induced stroke. A stroke (interruption of blood supply to the brain) that occurs as a consequence of tilting the head and bending the neck to wash hair during a beauty parlor visit is known as beauty parlor stroke syndrome.
What Is Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome?
The process of tilting the head backward and unnatural stretching of the neck leading to the rupture or compression of blood vessels in the neck resulting in the limited blood supply to the brain, is known as beauty parlor stroke syndrome. This condition was first described in 1993 by Michael Weintraub in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Beauty parlor stroke syndrome is sometimes known as vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is a condition in which the back of the brain receives reduced blood supply which is normally supplied by vertebral arteries present in the neck.
What Are the Causes of Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome?
Usually, beauty parlor stroke syndrome occurs when the head is bent back into the salon sink for a hair wash. Apart from the head wash, neck massage and pouring cold water suddenly over the head and neck regions may also trigger beauty parlor stroke syndrome. As the neck connects the head to the rest of the body, the brain receives the continuous supply of oxygenated blood from the arteries (blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood from the heart to other body parts) present in the neck. Two arteries, namely vertebral arteries, travel through the spinal cord and go up to the neck, where they join together and form the basilar artery at the base of the skull. The basilar artery supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain, especially the middle and posterior areas. Any disturbances in the blood flow due to external pressure or clot in the arteries can result in a stroke. When the head is bent into a salon sink for hair wash, the chances of vertebral arteries getting compressed are high if the neck is bent excessively or does not have any support. As a result, blood flow is obstructed, or the inner layer of the blood vessel is damaged, leading to clot formation, which may dislodge and settle in the brain resulting in a stroke.
What Are the Symptoms of Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome?
The symptoms seen in a person experiencing beauty parlor stroke syndrome are as follows. They are:
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Dizziness.
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Unsteadiness of hands.
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Blurred vision or loss of vision.
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Severe headache that is similar to migraine headache.
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Altered taste.
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Pain and swelling in the neck.
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Loss of balance.
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Numbness on the face or one side of the body.
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Weakness.
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Slurred speech.
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Sudden changes in behavior.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Weakness of limbs (arms and legs).
What Are the Risk Factors for Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome?
When exposed to a similar environment in a salon, not all people experience beauty parlor stroke syndrome. The conditions that increase the risk of beauty parlor stroke syndrome are as follows:
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High blood pressure.
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Old age.
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Smoking.
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Partial obstruction of the artery due to atherosclerosis (build-up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances on the walls of arteries).
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The extended position of the neck for a long duration.
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Small vertebral arteries.
How to Diagnose Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome?
There is no definitive test to diagnose beauty parlor stroke syndrome. However, the following methods are used for the diagnosis of beauty parlor stroke syndrome. They are as follows:
1. Medical History and Physical Examination:
The doctor enquires about the medical history of the patient and the symptoms experienced. Most of the patients experience symptoms similar to that of stroke and give a history of hair washing at the beauty parlor. The doctor also examines the patient to assess signs like weakness of limbs, blurred vision, or loss of balance.
2. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan:
Computed tomography of the brain uses a computer and various X-rays to produce brain images from different angles. CT of the brain helps to find out the abnormalities and changes that occur in the brain.
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
MRI of the brain is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets, a computer, and radiowaves to make detailed images of the brain. MRI gives more detailed information than a CT scan and is used to detect abnormalities in the brain.
4. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Echocardiogram:
An electrocardiogram is a non-invasive test used to assess the electrical signals of the heart. An echocardiogram is a test that is used to assess the structure and function of the heart. Both these tests are done to rule out the possibility of stroke due to cardiac causes.
How Is Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome Treated?
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Beauty parlor stroke syndrome treatment is similar to that of other types of strokes, which are caused due to deficient blood supply to the brain.
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Anti-platelet drugs are usually given to the patient. Platelets are cells present in the blood which stick together to form clots, thereby helping to stop bleeding. Since beauty parlor stroke syndrome is associated with clot formation in the vertebral artery, anti-platelet drugs help in preventing blood clots by reducing the stickiness of the platelets.
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Blood thinners which are drugs used to prevent the formation of blood clots, are also advised.
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In some patients, rehabilitation, which includes exercises and yoga, may be useful.
How to Prevent Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome?
The following lifestyle changes help to prevent beauty parlor stroke syndrome to a certain extent. They are as follows:
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Exercising regularly.
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Avoiding white sugar by using natural items like honey and jaggery.
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Consumption of vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
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Getting a sound sleep for at least six to seven hours.
The following measures help to reduce the risk of beauty parlor syndrome at the salon. They are as follows:
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Using additional support for the neck, like a cushion or towel, while washing hair at the salon.
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Ensuring that the neck is not bent more than 20 degrees and is placed in a comfortable position during the hair wash.
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Reduce the number of hair washes at the parlor.
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Not to keep the neck in awkward extended positions for a period of more than 10 to 15 minutes.
Conclusion:
Even though beauty parlor stroke syndrome has serious complications, it is very rare. Visits to beauty parlors are a fun activity that gives relaxation and cannot be avoided completely. Hence with proper awareness and precautionary measures, the fear of this condition can be avoided.
