Man suffers from stroke after getting head massage at salon; some things you should be careful about - The Indian Express

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A routine visit to a local salon became a medical emergency for Ramkumar, a 30-year-old housekeeping worker from Ballari. While receiving an untrained barber’s “free head massage,” Ramkumar suffered a stroke after his neck was forcefully twisted.

What began as a relaxing experience quickly escalated into a nightmare. According to The New Indian Express, the intense pain from the neck manipulation was initially dismissed, but soon, Ramkumar began experiencing alarming symptoms. He struggled to speak and developed weakness on his left side.


What exactly happened?

A head massage or shampoo can lead to severe complications like a stroke due to the potential risk of vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) dissection, carotid artery dissection, or cervical artery dissection, according to Dr PN Renjen, Senior Consultant in Neurology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.


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He explains that these conditions occur when neck arteries are damaged, resulting in tears or ruptures. The vertebrobasilar artery, in particular, is vulnerable to injury when the neck is manipulated or stretched excessively during massages or shampooing.

Dr Amit Shrivastava, Director and HOD at the Department of Neurology, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida, said the risk increases in people with pre-existing vascular conditions, such as atherosclerosis or hypertension, making them more susceptible to artery damage, blood clots, and stroke.


He adds that certain massage techniques, such as deep tissue pressure or excessive force, can heighten the risk. This is why it’s crucial to seek massages from licensed therapists who use gentle, controlled techniques to reduce the chance of neck injury.

He explains that these conditions occur when neck arteries are damaged, resulting in tears or ruptures (Source: Freepik)

Preventive measures to avoid stroke risks​

Both Dr Renjen and Dr Shrivastava recommend several precautions to minimize the risk of stroke during head massages or shampoos. Key tips include:


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1. Choosing Licensed Professionals: Always opt for experienced, licensed professionals who use controlled, gentle techniques.
2. Limit Neck Extension: Dr. Shrivastava advises avoiding excessive neck extension during a hair wash and recommends using towels to support maintaining a safer neck position.
3. Communicate Discomfort: Dr. Renjen advises clients to immediately communicate any discomfort or pain to their therapist to prevent further damage.
4. Monitor Pre-existing Conditions: Individuals with vascular conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes should be cautious, as they are at a higher risk of artery damage during such activities.

How to recognise and respond to a stroke​

Recognizing stroke symptoms early is critical for effective treatment. The American Stroke Association recommends using the acronym “FAST”:

• Face: Look for drooping on one side of the face.
• Arms: Check if one arm drifts downward when raised.
• Speech: Listen for slurred or garbled speech.
• Time: If any of these signs are present, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Dr Renjen adds that dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances can also signal a stroke caused by neck manipulation. Acting quickly, keeping the person calm, and calling emergency services can significantly improve outcomes. Dr Shrivastava emphasizes that timely intervention and professional treatment can minimize brain damage and improve recovery chances.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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