Massage Risks: Strokes And Blood Clots

A massage can cause a stroke, albeit very rarely. This phenomenon even has a name: salon stroke syndrome. Strokes can be caused by pressure on arteries in the neck, and neck massages can lead to a shearing or tearing of the blood vessels in the neck. This can cause blood clots that, if dislodged, could travel to the brain, causing a blockage and stroke. However, it is important to note that massages by qualified professionals are highly unlikely to cause a stroke.

Neck massages can cause injury to blood vessels, leading to a stroke

While it may seem unlikely, neck massages can cause injury to blood vessels, which can lead to a stroke. The neck is particularly important as it houses the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. These blood vessels are vulnerable to injury and damage as they travel up to the brain. Any vigorous neck movement that pulls or pushes the neck can injure these blood vessels. This includes certain neck massages, as well as neck manipulations or wrong positioning of the neck.

Injury to the blood vessels in the neck can lead to a devastating paralytic attack or brain attack. Neurology literature is filled with case reports of neck manipulations or wrong positioning of the neck leading to injury to blood vessels and causing a stroke. Terms like "Barber Chair stroke" or "Beauty parlour stroke" have been coined to describe these incidents.

It is important to be aware of the danger and take simple steps to prevent such disastrous outcomes. Avoid any vigorous movements or overextension of the neck, and do not crack your neck or go for neck manipulations unless under the supervision of a well-qualified professional. If you experience any symptoms such as neck pain, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, or vomiting, rush to the hospital.

According to a 2006 study, a patient with ischemic stroke loses 190,000 brain cells every minute. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect a stroke. The most important part of stroke care is the patient, as early treatment can prevent irreversible paralysis and even death.

The risk of stroke is greater if there is pre-existing carotid stenosis or carotid plaques

A massage can indeed cause a stroke, albeit very rarely. This phenomenon has been given the name "salon stroke syndrome". Strokes can be caused by pressure on arteries in the neck.

The risk of stroke after a carotid sinus massage is greater if there is pre-existing carotid stenosis or carotid plaques. Carotid stenosis is a narrowing of the carotid artery, which is the main artery that runs down either side of the neck. This narrowing can be caused by a buildup of plaque, which can then lead to a blockage in the artery.

A case study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports in 2021 presents the story of a 58-year-old male patient with underlying 40% carotid stenosis who developed a watershed stroke after performing a self-neck massage. The patient had no relevant medical history and was admitted to the hospital with a brain stem infarct. During his stay at the stroke unit, the patient performed a self-neck massage which resulted in left-side hemiparesis. The underlying cause of the hemodynamic stroke was believed to be secondary to the intensive neck massage performed by the patient.

Another case study published in the Daily Mail in 2015 describes the story of Elizabeth Hughes, a former nurse from Hampshire, who suffered a stroke after a neck massage at a spa. Elizabeth's carotid artery, the main artery running down both sides of the neck, had split and a blood clot had leaked out into her brain. As a result, she lost the full use of one hand and had problems with swallowing.

These cases highlight the importance of being aware of the dangers associated with neck massages. While it may seem like a harmless and relaxing activity, neck massages can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences if not performed correctly. It is crucial to be vigilant for any signs or symptoms of a stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face or body, sudden confusion or trouble speaking, and sudden severe headaches. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to improving outcomes and reducing the risk of permanent damage or death.

Strokes can be caused by pressure on arteries in the neck

You may be surprised to learn that we are subjected to such movements on a daily basis. A massage therapist, chiropractor, beauty therapist, barber, or anyone who has their hands on your neck can cause a stroke. Neurology literature is filled with case reports of neck manipulation or wrong positioning of the neck leading to injury to blood vessels, which can cause a stroke or paralytic brain attack. Terms like "Barber Chair stroke" or "Beauty parlour stroke" have been coined for this reason. As the blood vessel gets injured, the blood supply to the brain may get blocked or reduced, leading to neurological deficits like paralysis.

It is important to be aware of the danger and take simple steps to prevent such disastrous outcomes. Avoid any vigorous movements or overextension of the neck. Do not crack your neck or go for neck manipulation unless under the supervision of a well-qualified professional. If you experience injury to a blood vessel, causing neck pain, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, or vomiting, do not ignore these symptoms—rush to the hospital. Avoid neck massages by unqualified staff.

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, remember the 6 S method to diagnose it:

• SUDDEN (symptoms start suddenly)
• SLURRED SPEECH (speech is not clear, as if drunk)
• SIDE WEAK (face, arm, or leg weakness)
• SEVERE HEADACHE/NECK PAIN
• SECONDS (note the time when symptoms start and rush to the hospital)

These symptoms can be present in any combination, and you don't need all of them to diagnose a stroke. Rush to the hospital immediately, as every minute counts. According to a 2006 study, a patient with ischemic stroke loses 190,000 brain cells every minute. Quick treatment can help limit damage to the brain and increase the chance of a full recovery.

Strokes are becoming more common in younger people due to the obesity epidemic

Strokes are becoming more common in younger people, and this is due, in part, to the obesity epidemic. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for strokes in older adults, but new research shows that obesity is also a significant risk factor for younger people. This is especially true for those under 55.

The link between obesity and strokes is mediated through hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and other variables associated with these conditions. Obesity is also linked to higher rates of high blood pressure, which is the biggest risk factor for strokes worldwide. In fact, hypertension is responsible for over half of all strokes.

Other factors contributing to the increase in strokes among younger people include climate change, higher air temperatures, and the opioid epidemic. Additionally, certain demographic groups are at higher risk, including people of African, Hispanic, and East Asian descent.

The good news is that obesity and hypertension are modifiable risk factors. By making lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, getting more exercise, and improving sleep, young people can significantly reduce their risk of stroke.

It is important for people of all ages to be able to recognize the signs of a stroke and seek prompt medical intervention. The acronym FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, and Time) can help identify the signs of a stroke, which include face drooping, arm weakness, and slurred or strange speech.

Warning signs of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden trouble seeing, and sudden trouble walking

Strokes can be caused by pressure on arteries in the neck, and neck massages can lead to ischemic strokes. The risk of stroke after carotid sinus massage is greater if there is preexisting carotid stenosis or carotid plaques.

The warning signs of a stroke include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face or in one arm or leg.
• Confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding speech.
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Trouble walking, dizziness, or lack of balance or coordination.
• A severe headache with no other cause.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to act quickly as the best stroke treatments can only be used if the stroke is diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms.

Frequently asked questions