The Importance of Safe Beauty Treatments for Older Women
Recently, a retirement-age woman named Ms. Zhang frequently visited a beauty salon for facial masks. Initially, she felt fine after these treatments, but during her latest visit, she experienced concerning symptoms after returning home. That night, she noticed difficulty speaking, nausea, and weakness in one side of her face. Alarmed, she rushed to the hospital for evaluation.
Understanding the Symptoms
Upon examination, doctors determined that Ms. Zhang's symptoms were likely caused by prolonged neck hyperextension, which compressed the arterial blood vessels supplying her brain. This resulted in inadequate blood flow, leading to what is commonly referred to as a mild stroke.
Blood Supply to the Brain
The posterior region of the brain receives its blood primarily through arterial vessels in the neck. As individuals age, especially those over 40, these key arteries can become more susceptible to damage. Sessions at beauty salons often require clients to lie back with their heads tilted backward, positions that can inadvertently compress these arteries and hinder proper blood circulation to the brain.
Recognizing Vascular Compromise Symptoms
Light arterial compression may present with symptoms such as dizziness or temporary vision disturbances, which can typically resolve by simply standing up or moving the head slightly. However, more severe compression may result in pronounced symptoms, including slurred speech, nausea, and unilateral facial muscle weakness—like those experienced by Ms. Zhang, indicative of a mild stroke.
Precautions for Women Over 40
Women over 40 should be particularly cautious and avoid prolonged positions that put their heads in a downward or backward tilt. While performing neck stretches or receiving treatments, experts recommend not bending or twisting the neck more than 15 degrees backward to prevent artery compression, which can lead to insufficient blood supply and potentially serious vascular damage.
Tips for Safe Beauty Practices
For middle-aged and older women who prioritize their beauty routines, it is essential to implement safety measures during neck-related treatments. If massages or beauty treatments that require backward head position are necessary, consider using a soft pillow to support the neck. This can help maintain a safer angle, thereby reducing the pressure on brain arteries and ensuring that beauty treatments do not jeopardize health.
By following these recommendations, women can enjoy their beauty treatments while safeguarding their overall health and well-being.