Cervical vertigo after hair shampoo treatment at a hairdressing salon: a case report

A case report of cervical vertigo that occurred after shampoo treatment in a hairdressing salon. Abnormalities were detected on magnetic resonance images and magnetic resonance angiography scans.

To describe the diagnosis of cervical vertigo caused by neck hyperextension.

Neck hyperextension may induce vertigo and dizziness; the pathophysiology remains unclear, however, because subjective findings are usually difficult to document.

The diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a patient with cervical vertigo that occurred after hair shampoo treatment in a hair dressing salon were assessed.

Magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated narrowing of the left vertebral artery, whereas magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebellar infarction. Treatment included rest and drugs that activate cerebral circulation and prevent platelet aggregation. Improvement was noted within few days.

The authors suggest that the hyperextended neck position during hair shampoo treatment in a beauty parlor may be a risk factor for back lifting or cerebellum vascular insufficiency. Public education should lead to avoidance of this position during hair shampoo treatment at hair dressing salons.