Handstands And Strokes: What's The Real Danger?

Doing a handstand can be dangerous and may cause a stroke. A fitness influencer, Rebecca Leigh, had a stroke while doing a hollowback handstand during yoga. She tore a carotid artery, which apparently sent a blood clot to her brain, causing a stroke and brain aneurysm. Extreme neck movement has been associated with carotid artery tears, which can cause strokes. However, a 40-year follow-up investigation of a 66-year-old Chinese man who had been practicing passive handstands for 40 years found that his cerebral vessels remained healthy, and he had no hypertension or cerebrovascular disease.

Extreme neck movement can cause carotid artery tears, leading to strokes

Extreme neck movement can cause tears in the carotid artery, which can lead to strokes. The carotid arteries are a pair of blood vessels at the front of the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the front part of the brain, which is responsible for thought, speech, personality, and the ability to feel physical sensations and move. A tear in the inner layer of a carotid artery is called a carotid artery dissection, and it can cause blood to leak into the other layers of the artery, potentially restricting blood flow to the brain and resulting in a stroke.

Carotid artery dissection is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. It is the most common cause of stroke in people younger than 40 and accounts for 2.5% of strokes overall. The condition may occur due to trauma, such as a car accident, or in people with underlying connective tissue disorders. However, in most cases, the cause is unknown.

Symptoms of carotid artery dissection vary significantly and can range from no symptoms to severe symptoms. Some potential signs include unusual, persistent, and severe neck pain that may spread along the side of the neck and up toward the outer corner of the eye. Other possible symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden difficulty seeing, dizziness, loss of balance, severe headache, and jerky eye movements.

To prevent carotid artery dissection and reduce the risk of stroke, it is important to be cautious when performing extreme neck movements or engaging in activities that involve sudden, jerky neck movements. This includes exercises such as strenuous weightlifting and certain yoga positions, as well as activities like bungee jumping, roller coasters, and white-water rafting.

Hypertension increases the risk of ischemic stroke

Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for stroke, with about 64% of stroke patients presenting with the condition. Over a long period, uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of ischemic stroke, which occurs when blood vessels are constricted to the point that oxygen cannot reach the brain, causing brain cells to die. This is because hypertension damages arteries throughout the body, creating conditions that make arteries more susceptible to bursting or clogging. Weakened or blocked arteries in the brain create a much higher risk for stroke.

The management of blood pressure in stroke patients is complex and requires an accurate diagnosis and precise definition of therapeutic goals. For example, in the acute phase of ischemic stroke, early initiation or resumption of antihypertensive treatment is indicated only in patients treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator or if hypertension is extreme. For patients eligible for intravenous thrombolysis, antihypertensive treatment is recommended so that systolic blood pressure is ≤185 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure is ≤110 mmHg before treatment and <180/105 mmHg for the first 24 hours after treatment.

The American Heart Association also recommends that for patients with intracerebral haemorrhage presenting with systolic blood pressure between 150 and 220 mmHg and without contraindication to acute blood pressure treatment, acute lowering of systolic blood pressure to 140 mmHg is safe and can be effective for improving functional outcomes.

Yoga inversions can increase intraocular pressure and be associated with eye disease

Yoga inversions such as headstands and handstands can cause a rapid increase in intraocular pressure. This is because when the body is upside down, blood rushes to the head, and the amount of venous blood draining from the brain decreases due to gravity. This increase in blood pressure in the head can lead to a corresponding increase in pressure inside the eyes.

Several studies have found that yoga inversions can cause a significant rise in intraocular pressure within just one minute of assuming the pose. For example, a 2015 study found that all head-down yoga poses, including Adhomukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog pose), Uttanasana (standing forward bend pose), Halasana (plough pose), and Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall pose) were associated with a significant rise in intraocular pressure in both glaucoma patients and healthy individuals.

Another study, published in 2007, found that the headstand pose caused a twofold increase in intraocular pressure compared to a sitting position. Furthermore, a case report from 2008 described a patient with congenital glaucoma who experienced an increase in intraocular pressure during the headstand pose, with their eye pressure returning to the normal range after they came out of the pose.

It is important to note that not all yoga practices affect intraocular pressure in the same way. While yoga inversions can cause a rapid increase in pressure, other yoga practices such as Jyoti-trataka (gazing steadily at a point or candle flame) and slow yogic breathing exercises have been found to reduce intraocular pressure. For example, a 2021 study found that diaphragmatic breathing and alternate nostril breathing practiced for 30 minutes per day over six months led to a significant decrease in intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.

In conclusion, while yoga can be a beneficial practice for overall health and well-being, it is important for individuals with glaucoma or at risk of developing the condition to be cautious about practicing yoga inversions. These poses can cause a rapid increase in intraocular pressure, which may increase the risk of glaucoma progression. Instead, individuals with glaucoma may benefit from yoga practices such as Jyoti-trataka and slow yogic breathing, which have been found to reduce intraocular pressure. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of different yoga practices on intraocular pressure and eye health.

Yoga headstands can cause cervical spondylosis

Yoga headstands can be a challenging posture to practice due to the risk of cervical compression and the potential for irreversible spinal harm. The average human head weighs approximately 10 pounds, which is equivalent to three 2-liter bottles of liquid or a small microwave. When performing a conventional yoga headstand, the weight of the head is literally flipped upside down, placing immense pressure on the cervical spine, which is more commonly known as the neck.

The cervical spine is composed of bony vertebrae and soft discs that form a natural curve to evenly distribute the weight of the head. Each spinal disc acts as a shock absorber to deal with everyday spinal compression. However, when these discs are overly compressed, there is a risk of developing a herniated disc where the tough outer shell ruptures, and the soft insides are exposed. This can occur from immediate trauma or develop slowly over time due to poor alignment.

Practicing headstands can easily lead to cervical compression, especially without proper form and technique. As the spine is the main pathway of nerves throughout the body, damage to the vertebrae or spinal discs can have severe consequences. Such damage can be extremely painful and life-threatening, potentially leading to long-lasting and permanent immobilization.

Cervical spondylosis is a chronic condition characterized by wear and tear of the bones and cartilage of the cervical spine. It is typically associated with aging but can also affect younger individuals due to modern lifestyles and prolonged sitting at desks. The condition causes constant pain and stiffness in the neck, which can interfere with daily functioning and lead to weakness in the neck, arms, and legs.

Yoga therapy is often recommended as a natural and holistic method to prevent and relieve the symptoms of cervical spondylosis. Yoga helps by gently stretching and relaxing the neck muscles, improving flexibility, and building strength. However, it is important to note that certain yoga poses, such as headstands and shoulder stands, should be avoided by individuals with cervical spondylosis as they can put significant pressure on the neck.

In conclusion, while yoga can be beneficial for relieving cervical spondylosis symptoms, it is crucial to approach these practices with caution. Individuals with severe cervical spondylosis or other medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional or certified yoga instructor before starting a yoga routine to ensure a safe and effective practice.

Yoga can be beneficial for stroke recovery

Yoga is a mind-body practice that originated in India and has become increasingly popular in the Western world. It involves a combination of poses, meditation, and breathing techniques. The practice of yoga has been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals recovering from a stroke, including improved balance, gait, and strength, as well as reduced anxiety and depression.

Improved Balance and Gait

Yoga has been found to improve balance and gait speed in stroke survivors. In a 2014 study, 37 stroke survivors participated in yoga twice a week for eight weeks. By the end of the study, participants experienced improved balance, as well as increased gait speed and coordination. This improvement in gait and balance can help reduce the risk of falls and improve independence in daily activities.

Improved Strength and Endurance

Yoga can also help improve strength and endurance in stroke survivors. The same 2014 study found that participants had improved upper extremity strength and endurance after participating in yoga. This can help enhance functional abilities and make daily tasks easier.

Reduced Anxiety and Depression

Yoga has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in stroke survivors. In one study, participants who practiced yoga experienced a significant reduction in state anxiety, which refers to anxiety experienced in response to stressful situations. Additionally, there was a trend towards reduced depression, although this did not reach statistical significance.

Improved Cognition and Quality of Life

Yoga has the potential to improve cognition and quality of life in stroke survivors. In one study, yoga participants showed improved memory compared to a control group. Yoga can also help improve overall quality of life by reducing fear of falling, improving independence, and enhancing social participation.

Accessible for All Stroke Patients

Yoga is accessible to individuals at various stages of stroke recovery. It can be adapted to meet the needs of each individual, whether they are experiencing physical or cognitive impairments. Yoga can be practiced in a chair or with the use of props, making it suitable for those with limited mobility. Additionally, the mental and meditation practices of yoga can be beneficial for those with cognitive impairments, as they stimulate the mind-body connection and enhance cognitive function.

In conclusion, yoga can be a valuable adjunct to traditional stroke rehabilitation. It has been shown to improve balance, gait, strength, and mental health in stroke survivors, leading to enhanced functional abilities and quality of life. Yoga is accessible to individuals at various stages of recovery and can be adapted to meet their specific needs.

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