A neurologist has shared three uncommon yet serious triggers for stroke that he personally avoids based on his clinical experience. These rare causes highlight the importance of caution in everyday actions to prevent potentially life-threatening strokes.
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or a burst blood vessel, causing brain cells to die from lack of oxygen. Rapid hospital treatment is critical, with typical symptoms including sudden facial droop, limb weakness, and difficulties speaking.
While common risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, pregnancy, and postpartum changes, some lesser-known causes deserve attention.
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In a recent TikTok video, Dr. Baibing Chen — known as Dr. Bing — outlined three specific practices he avoids due to stroke risks he has witnessed firsthand.
First, Dr. Bing advises against using a massage gun on the neck. “I can use a massage gun elsewhere on my body, but never on my neck,” he explains. The carotid and vertebral arteries running through the neck supply blood to the brain, and aggressive percussion can damage the artery’s inner lining. This damage, called a dissection, may cause blood clots that travel to the brain and induce a stroke. Additionally, if arterial plaques are present, deep pressure could dislodge them, increasing stroke risk.
Second, he warns against keeping the neck hyperextended, meaning pushing the head backward beyond its normal range for prolonged periods. This posture can compress or kink the vertebral arteries, reducing blood flow. “This position sometimes happens during hair washing at salons,” Dr. Bing notes, referencing “beauty parlor stroke syndrome.” Reduced blood flow from such neck positions can cause dizziness, vision changes, or even strokes. He urges anyone experiencing symptoms in these scenarios to speak up immediately.
Lastly, Dr. Bing cautions strongly about popping pimples in the so-called “triangle of death” — the facial area extending from the bridge of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. Veins in this zone connect deeply to veins near the brain, such as the cavernous sinus. Severe infections here can spread inward, leading to dangerous clots, brain infections, or strokes. Though rare, Dr. Bing emphasizes these cases stick with him as a neurologist due to their severity.
To recognize a stroke early, the NHS recommends the FAST acronym—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services. Awareness of both common and rare risks, alongside prompt response to symptoms, can save lives.