Stroke dangers

Stroke dangers. There is a phenomenon called "beauty parlor stroke". A person having her (or his) hair shampooed stretches over the basin and their neck rests on the edge of the basin or a towel put over the edge. The stretching and bending of the neck, especially if there is any pressure put on the head while washing, can cause small tears in the carotid artery. Often the person does not realize it until they get home and begin to feel tired, dizzy, unbalance or unable to concentrate.

But beauty parlor shampooing is not the only danger. Anyone of the following is capable of triggering a stroke:

Calisthenics in which the neck is extended, the head turned sharply or there is any sort of 'whipping motion' or pressure placed on the head or neck.
Chiropractic adjustments. This is especially important for anyone who is older, anyone with hypertension or any hardening of the arteries.
Dancing - any form where the head is shaken hard or the neck extended. Rap or break dancing are two that come to mind.
Dental work when your head remains is a single position for a long time - especially if you are learning back
Fairground rides - especially if the whirl or jerk the rider
Stargazing - usually with hand held telescope or naked eye observations (if one tilts the head to look upwards or turns the neck excessively
Sports: Soccer - especially if the ball is hit with the head Football - when tackling or being tackled. Wresting
Yoga - head stands and positions where the neck is extended or turned.
There are also some reports of running, sailing and swimming and even tai chi if the practitioner extends or turns his or her neck excessively.

All of these activities can trigger strokes or tears in the carotid and vertebral arteries. If you have a disease such as Marfan syndrome, fibromusculardisplasia, hardening of the arteries or high blood pressure you could be more vulnerable.

What to do to avoid Stroke Dangers

Avoid sudden neck bending or turning. If you need to stretch or turn your neck, do not keep it extended for long periods of time. If you are having dental work done, ask for a break every so often...talk with your chiropractor etc.

And above all be sensitive to changes - dizziness, pain in your neck or head, confusion, change in the pupils of your eyes, unsteadiness in walking, sleepiness, speech or vision problems. Get checked out as soon as possible. A small bleed can do great damage if not attended to right away.

See also: Stroke dangers: Beauty parlor stroke for more information.

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