A neurologist has shared three uncommon practices he avoids due to the rare but serious risk of stroke. Drawing from his medical experience, the specialist revealed how certain everyday actions can unexpectedly trigger this life-threatening condition.
A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bursts, causing brain cells to die from a lack of oxygen. Prompt treatment in hospital is critical. Common signs include sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, and difficulty speaking.
Typical stroke risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, pregnancy, and childbirth. However, there are less obvious causes that many overlook.
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In a video on TikTok, neurologist Dr. Baibing Chen—known online as Dr. Bing—shared three things he personally never does because he has witnessed strokes triggered by these actions, even though they are rare.
First, Dr. Bing avoids using a massage gun on his neck. “I’m fine using a massage gun elsewhere on my body, just not on my neck,” he said. The neck contains the carotid and vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Aggressive or deep pressure on these arteries can injure their inner lining, causing a tear called a dissection. This injury can lead to a blood clot that may travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Additionally, if someone has loose plaque in these arteries, vigorous pressure can dislodge it, increasing stroke risk.
Second, Dr. Bing warns against keeping the neck “hyperextended”—bending the head backward beyond its normal range—for extended periods. This position compresses or kinks the vertebral arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain. “This can happen at the hair salon when your head is tilted back for a long time during a wash,” he explained. This condition is known as “beauty parlour stroke syndrome.” Symptoms include dizziness, vision changes, and in severe cases, stroke. Dr. Bing advises speaking up immediately if you experience symptoms while in this position.
Finally, Dr. Bing cautions strongly against popping pimples in the so-called “triangle of death,” the area from the bridge of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Veins in this area connect to deeper veins draining into the cavernous sinus near the brain. Severe infections here can spread inward, leading to clots, brain infections, or stroke. While such cases are rare, Dr. Bing’s professional experience underscores their seriousness.
To quickly identify stroke symptoms, the NHS recommends using the acronym FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to call emergency services. Other symptoms may also appear, but FAST helps with early recognition and life-saving treatment.
By understanding these rare but real stroke risks, you can take steps to protect your brain health and seek timely medical help if needed.