Going to the hairdresser is often associated with a relaxing pamper session, helping you to feel lighter and brighter. However, for a small percentage of the population, it can come with some rare but serious risks.
Here, we outline what ‘Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome’, also known as ‘shampoo bowl stroke’ is, the symptoms to keep an eye out for, and what your options are if you’ve suffered from this phenomenon.
What is Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome (BPSS)?
Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome, more formerly known as vertebral artery dissection or vertebral basilar ischemia, is an uncommon but real condition where a person may experience a stroke caused by a tear or blood clot in one of the arteries supplying the brain
It is called Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome, as it can occur by spending a lot of time with your neck leaning back, for example, when getting your hair cleaned in a basin.
When sat in this position, there’s risk of the arteries in the neck getting damaged because of extended periods of hyperextension.
It is most notable to be aware of the risks if you have a pre-existing condition, for example, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac conditions, as these naturally make individuals more vulnerable to the possibility of strokes.
This condition is not limited to just getting your hair washed and can relate to any activity that may lead to hyperextension of your neck. Pippa Tyrrell, Professor of Stroke Medicine from the University of Manchester, said that this condition can also be linked to some type of whiplash injury and therefore is more likely to occur in road traffic accidents or when skiing, diving, or bungee jumping.
What Are The Symptoms of BPSS?
If you have experienced neck pain after going to the hair salon, please don’t panic. Beauty parlour stroke syndrome is rare and not known to be fatal, but any stroke at the base of the brain can have devastating and lasting effects.
Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of the symptoms associated with BPSS, as they should not be ignored. If you do experience any of the symptoms you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Many of the symptoms are the same as with any other stroke you may have heard of. This can include difficulty speaking or swallowing, blurred or a sudden change in vision, numbness, vomiting, and nausea.
Any symptom of a stroke can remain after the stroke itself has occurred. Many individuals experience coordination issues, vision problems, confusion, and even tinnitus after the stroke which can stick with them long-term.
A Real Life Case Study: Mr Tyler’s Story
One example of BPSS is Mr David Tyler, a 45-year-old dad-of-two, who collapsed and had a stroke two days after visiting a salon in Brighton back in 2011.
Whilst visiting the salon, he was having his hair washed with his head bent back over a basin. He began to suffer headaches shortly after his visit and then collapsed in a business meeting 48 hours later. He recalls that he felt the side of his body go numb and his eyes started rolling. He then felt nauseous as a result and was sick, but due to losing the ability to swallow, some of the vomit went into his lungs and he developed pneumonia.
He later made a legal claim against the hairdressers as there was only a ‘minimal layer of towel’ which did not adequately support his neck enough to prevent this occurrence. David still struggles with long-term symptoms resulting from the stroke which include wobbly double vision, meaning he will never be able to drive again, and instability which means he must walk with a stick.
David won £90,000 in compensation on the back of his claim, due to the pressure from the rim of the basin on his neck being attributable to the stroke.
How to Prevent Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome
In David’s case, it was noted that the hairdressing and beauty industry do not warn customers or staff sufficiently of the dangers of washing hair.
Therefore, it is important to tell your stylist about any discomfort you have during the hair-washing process. It may be a case of simply asking for a towel or pillow to support your neck, asking for the chair to be raised or lowered, or for your head to be tilted further forward.
The rule of thumb in this situation is to remember to never lean your head back from the sink more than 180 degrees.
If at any point you feel that you are in some kind of discomfort, or that your neck is over-extended, ask to take a break and continue once you are ready.
You Can Still Enjoy a Salon Visit!
Do not let this article scare you away from unwinding in the hairdressers. Any opportunity to relax and forget about life’s stresses for a little while should be embraced.
Now you know the risks, you are in a better position to prevent the possibility of Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome and know the signs to look out for. Do not be afraid to talk to your stylist. You never know, this may lead them to also learn how to navigate and avoid this rare but threatening risk.
Have You Been Affected by BPSS?
If you have suffered a stroke following a beauty parlour or salon visit, you may have a claim for compensation. Get in touch with our personal injury solicitors to talk to us today about your potential case and our no win, no fee policy.
