While research suggests BPSS is most likely to occur in women over 50 – and previous history of narrowing or thinning of blood vessels and arthritis of the spinal column in the neck are particular risk factors – it could happen to anyone regardless of age or medical history.
In the context of BPSS, the unusual neck position during shampooing can cause the vertebrae in the upper spine to press against crucial arteries supplying the back and lower portions of the brain.
Signs of BPSS include headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred or narrowed vision, nausea, vomiting, pain in the neck and some paralysis on one side of the body – some patients also report a near loss of consciousness.
If you’re worried about BPSS or experience pain and discomfort when using a backwash sink, ask to lean forward over the sink rather than extending your head backwards over the rim of the basin.
A 2016 Swiss study found only ten instances of BPSS during 2002-2013 so, although BPSS is much rarer than conventional stroke, it’s still important to be aware of the symptoms.
