A brain-and-nerves” title=”What Is Neurology? The Science of the … and Nerves”>neurologist has surfaced with three tips for significantly minimizing the chances of dementia, strokes, and even brain hemorrhagingwhich we are perilously close to every time we sneeze.
Dr Baibing Chen from the University of Michigan shared this information with his Instagram followers, explaining that these health catastrophes could be brought on by seemingly harmless everyday actions.
According to netizens, however, one of the risks is even perpetrated by healthcare professionals like chiropractors.
At the top of the list are massage guns
Table of Contents
- 1. At the top of the list are massage guns
- 2. Hearing loss could result in the onset of dementia
- 3. Sneezing the wrong way can prove fatal
- 4. Some commenters recall their chiropractors using massage guns on their necks
- 5. According to another neurologist, horse riding is just as dangerous
- 6. Netizens find the revelations eerie
- 7. Thanks! Check out the results:
- 8. Total votes · Newsletter Subscribe to Access Exclusive Polls
- 9. What specific electrolytes, beyond sodium, are critical for maintaining optimal brain function and preventing neurological symptoms after exercise?
- 10. Doctor Warns Against Risky Post-Exercise Practice That Could Harm Your Brain
- 11. The hidden Dangers of Dehydration After Physical Activity
- 12. How Dehydration Impacts cognitive Function
- 13. beyond Water: Electrolytes and Brain Function
- 14. identifying Dehydration: Recognizing the Signs
- 15. Practical Hydration Strategies for Brain Protection
- 16. Case Study: The Marathon Runner
- 17. Long-Term Brain Health and Hydration
Image credits: TikTok / Dr. Bing
In an Instagram post earlier this year, the brain and spinal cord doctor said, “As a neurologist, these are three things I would not do.”
- A Michigan neurologist warns against using massage guns on the neck due to stroke risk.
- Loud music, he says, can lead to hearing loss and increase dementia risk.
- Commenters expressed concern over chiropractors using massage guns on patients.
Topping his list of commonly self-imposed cardinal threats to life is the use of a massage gun on the neck—because of the vertebral and carotid arteries located there being “relatively superficial.”
“They supply blood to the brain [and] are vulnerable to damage from the repetitive sheer forces of the massage gun.
Image credits: Unsplash+
“This can increase the risk of arterial dissection which is a tear in the artery wall, especially in those who may already have weaker vessel walls, leading to blood clots, […] blocking blood flow, and triggering a stroke,” he said
Another hazard brought on by massage guns is that they are capable of loosening plaques in the arteries, which are likely to travel to the brain, deprive it of blood, and cause a stroke.
Hearing loss could result in the onset of dementia
@doctor.bing 3 more things I don’t do as a neurologist. #brain#neurology#brinhelth#neurologist#doctor#neuroscience♬ original sound – Dr. Bing, MD MPH
“I don’t blast music in my ears,” he said of the second common infraction perpetrated by zoned-out teens and fitness enthusiasts alike.
He goes on to say that loud music causes hearing loss, which, by extension, places a strain on the brain as it draws on the resources used for thinking and memory in its bid to overcome the auditory impediment and process noise.
“Mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia while severe hearing loss increases it by five fold,” the medical professional explained.
Image credits: Freepik
He explains that noises above 85 decibels (which is on par with city traffic) can cause deafness over time, and noises equating to 100 decibels (similar to those of live concerts and earbuds) can trigger permanent damage to the hearing in 15 minutes.
For those who already have hearing loss, he advises using hearing aids to fight the risk of dementia.
Sneezing the wrong way can prove fatal
Image credits: Unsplash / Planet Volumes
The third thing Doctor.bing (per his Instagram handle) does not do, is hold his sneezes in. His reason: “Sneezing generates high internal pressure”—higher than that of a car’s tire.
“Holding it in forces this pressure into delicate areas and may,” like loud music, “lead to ruptured eardrums, torn throat tissues and even air leaking into the chest.”
“In rare cases the sudden spike in pressure can rupture blood vessels in the brain leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage,” which is a life-threatening condition where blood seeps between the brain and its protective membranes.
Image credits: Unsplash / Tomasz Gawłowski
He goes on to say that this risk is higher in individuals prone to aneurysms and weakened arteries.
The best course of action is to let the sneeze out and cover one’s mouth and nose with one’s hands.
Some commenters recall their chiropractors using massage guns on their necks
Image credits: Freepik
Netizens weighed in, mainly focusing on Doctor.Bing’s first point. A few claimed the machine was used on their necks by a chiropractor.
“Just be careful about your neck with a chiropractor,” warned one person in response to these accounts.
“My husband is an ICU specialist and has seen a number of young people who suffered catastrophic neck injuries from their treatment.”
“I don’t let my chiropractor touch my neck!!!” echoed a netizen in the know.
According to another neurologist, horse riding is just as dangerous
Image credits: Unsplash+
Another netizen weighed in on the hearing loss tip, claiming it has them petrified.
“The hearing loss has me scared. [I am] not even 30 and already struggling with hearing loss from constantly blaring music as a teenager.”
Image credits: Freepik
Image credits: Harvard
But according to another neurologist in the comment thread, these practices are only a few of the perils humans expose themselves to.
“1. I would never smoke,” they wrote before echoing the spiraling negativity towards chiropractors, writing: “2. I wouldn’t use [a] chiropractor on my neck 3. I wouldn’t ride a horse.”
Netizens find the revelations eerie
Thanks! Check out the results:
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What specific electrolytes, beyond sodium, are critical for maintaining optimal brain function and preventing neurological symptoms after exercise?
Doctor Warns Against Risky Post-Exercise Practice That Could Harm Your Brain
As a neurologist, I frequently see patients focused on optimizing their physical fitness, but often overlooking the critical impact exercise has on brain health. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that brain health encompasses cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural, and motor domains – all vulnerable to disruption. One surprisingly common, and frequently enough underestimated, post-exercise habit poses a significant threat: inadequate rehydration. It’s not just about muscle cramps; it’s about protecting your brain.
How Dehydration Impacts cognitive Function
Even mild dehydration – as little as 2% fluid loss – can measurably impair cognitive performance. This isn’t just theoretical; studies consistently demonstrate a link between dehydration and:
Reduced Concentration: Difficulty focusing and maintaining attention.
Impaired Memory: Both short-term and working memory are negatively affected.
Slower reaction Time: This can be risky in everyday situations, like driving.
Increased Anxiety & Mood Swings: Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of stress and irritability.
Headaches: A common symptom, frequently enough signaling the brain is under stress.
These effects occur because the brain is approximately 73% water.Proper hydration is essential for maintaining blood volume,delivering oxygen and nutrients,and removing waste products – all vital for optimal brain function. When dehydrated, brain cells shrink, impacting their ability to communicate effectively.
beyond Water: Electrolytes and Brain Function
Simply drinking water isn’t always enough, especially after intense exercise. Sweat doesn’t just contain water; it also contains crucial electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These electrolytes play a vital role in nerve impulse transmission and maintaining fluid balance within the brain.
Sodium: Crucial for nerve and muscle function. Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) can lead to confusion, seizures, and even coma.
Potassium: Supports healthy nerve signals and regulates blood pressure.
Magnesium: Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those essential for brain function.
Calcium: Plays a role in neurotransmitter release and brain cell signaling.
Losing these electrolytes through sweat disrupts the delicate balance needed for optimal brain performance. This is why relying solely on water after strenuous activity can sometimes worsen symptoms.
identifying Dehydration: Recognizing the Signs
Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to rehydrate. Thirst is a late indicator of dehydration. Be proactive and watch for these early warning signs:
- Dark Urine: A pale yellow colour indicates good hydration; darker shades suggest dehydration.
- Dry Mouth & Throat: Obvious, but easily overlooked.
- Headache: Often a subtle early sign.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: especially when standing up quickly.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or sluggish.
- Muscle Cramps: While often associated with electrolyte imbalance, they can also be a sign of dehydration.
Practical Hydration Strategies for Brain Protection
Here’s how to protect your brain before, during, and after exercise:
Pre-Hydration: Drink 16-20 ounces of water 2-3 hours before exercise.
During Exercise: Drink 4-8 ounces of water every 15-20 minutes,especially during prolonged or intense activity.
Post-Exercise Rehydration: This is where many people fall short. Don’t just chug water. Opt for an electrolyte drink or consume foods rich in electrolytes.
Electrolyte Drink Recipes: Combine water with a pinch of sea salt,a squeeze of lemon or lime juice,and a small amount of natural sweetener (like honey or maple syrup).
Electrolyte-Rich Foods: Bananas (potassium),spinach (magnesium),dairy products (calcium),and salty snacks (sodium – in moderation).
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your individual needs and adjust your fluid intake accordingly. Factors like climate, intensity of exercise, and individual sweat rate all play a role.
Case Study: The Marathon Runner
I recently treated a marathon runner who experienced severe cognitive impairment after a race. Initially, we suspected a concussion.However, after thorough evaluation, it became clear the primary issue was severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. He had focused solely on water intake, neglecting electrolyte replacement. His symptoms – confusion, memory loss, and difficulty with coordination – resolved with aggressive fluid and electrolyte repletion. This case highlights the importance of a holistic approach to post-exercise recovery.
Long-Term Brain Health and Hydration
Consistent, adequate hydration isn’t just important after* exercise; it’s crucial for long-term cognitive health and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic dehydration can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, possibly accelerating cognitive decline. Make hydration a daily habit, not just a post-workout afterthought. Prioritizing brain
