Neurologist Issues Warning on Three Daily Habits Linked to Stroke Risk
A neurologist has publicly shared three specific activities he deliberately avoids in his personal life due to their potential to cause strokes, drawing from rare but alarming cases observed during his professional career. Dr. Baibing Chen, known online as Dr. Bing, emphasized that while these triggers are uncommon, they pose significant health risks that warrant caution.
Understanding Strokes and Their Causes
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or a burst blood vessel, leading to brain cell death from oxygen deprivation. Immediate medical attention is crucial, with symptoms often manifesting as sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties. Common risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and pregnancy-related changes. However, Dr. Chen highlights lesser-known triggers that many people might overlook in their daily routines.
First Habit: Avoiding Massage Guns on the Neck
Dr. Chen strongly advises against using massage guns on the neck area. He explains that the carotid and vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain, run along the sides and back of the neck. In rare instances, aggressive percussion or deep pressure from these devices can injure the inner lining of these arteries, particularly in susceptible individuals.
This damage can lead to a dissection, which is a small tear in the blood vessel. A clot may form at the site and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. Additionally, if undetected loose plaques are present in the arteries, the vibration from a massage gun could dislodge them, further increasing stroke risk. Dr. Chen notes that while massage guns are safe for other body parts, the neck should be off-limits.
Second Habit: Steering Clear of Neck Hyperextension
The neurologist also warns against keeping the neck hyperextended for prolonged periods, such as during hair washing at a salon. Hyperextension involves forcing the head backward beyond its normal range, which can compress or kink the vertebral arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain.
Dr. Chen references "beauty parlour stroke syndrome," a documented condition where individuals experience dizziness, vision changes, or even strokes after having their necks hyperextended over a sink for an extended time. He urges anyone in such a position who feels symptoms to speak up immediately to prevent potential harm.
Third Habit: Not Popping Pimples in the "Triangle of Death"
Dr. Chen cautions against popping pimples in the facial area known as the "triangle of death," which spans from the bridge of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. The veins in this region connect to deeper veins that drain into the cavernous sinus near the brain.
A severe infection in this area can spread inward, leading to clots, brain infections, or strokes. Although these outcomes are rare, Dr. Chen stresses that as a neurologist, he has seen such cases, and they leave a lasting impression due to their severity.
Recognizing Stroke Symptoms with the FAST Acronym
To help identify strokes quickly, the NHS promotes the FAST acronym:
- Face weakness – One side of the face may droop, making it difficult to smile.
- Arm weakness – Inability to fully lift both arms due to weakness or numbness in one arm.
- Speech problems – Slurred speech or confusion in finding words.
- Time to call 999 – Immediate emergency action is essential.
Other symptoms can include weakness or numbness down one side of the body, blurred vision, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, severe headaches, and nausea. Early recognition and prompt medical response are critical for improving outcomes in stroke cases.
