Why Do Strokes Often Happen in the Bathroom?

A stroke is a ‘brain attack’ – like a heart attack, but in the brain. They can occur to anyone at any time. Strokes occur when the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted, which can lead to deprivation of oxygen to brain cells. This may lead to memory and muscle control loss.

Strokes are often categorized into three main types:

• Ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It is usually caused by a blood clot, blocking the blood supply to the brain.

• Haemorrhagic stroke

Haemorrhagic stroke develops when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in the brain. High blood pressure can increase the risk of haemorrhagic strokes.

• Transient ischemic attack

Transient ischemic attack, or ‘Mini stroke’, is caused by a temporary blockage of blood supply to the brain. It is often ignored, as the effects are temporary and does not cause any permanent damage. However, it is a warning sign of a future full-blown stroke and you should contact your doctor immediately.

Why do strokes often happen in the bathroom?

There is no better start to the day than a morning bath or shower. It can energize the body and help stimulate the lymphatic system. On the contrary, some study has shown a rapid increase in bathing accidents leading to death. Let us throw some light on the reasons as to why strokes happen in the bathroom.

• Toilet Strain

Most strokes which occur during defecation are a result of the unnatural sitting posture for waste elimination. If one applies excessive strain during defecation, it affects the cardiovascular system, which might result in death. It can also lead to temporary loss of consciousness due to insufficient blood flow to the heart and brain.

• No sequenced bath or shower

Most people wet their heads and hair first when bathing, but this can cause a rapid change in body temperature as your body adjusts to the temperature of the water. This temperature change may generate pressure and cause artery or capillary breakage. Start your bath or shower by wetting your legs first, then working up to your head.

• Water Temperature

Incidences of stroke or heart attack in the bathroom happen more often in winter than in summer. Cold water can cause the arteries to shrink and prevent blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain.

• Slipping in the Bathroom

Bathroom slips and falls are quite common. When someone slips, they may hit their head and suffer bleeding in the brain. Take precautions, like using a bath bench or stool and installing grab bars on the bathroom walls. Use bath mats with suction cups to cover slippery surfaces.

• Standing up too quickly

When getting up from sitting or lying down, rapidly moving to an upright position can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. This reduces blood flow to the brain and raises the risk of stroke. Take your time standing up.

• Dehydration

Hot baths or showers that cause heavy sweating can lead to water and salt loss from the body. Dehydration makes the blood thicker and more likely to form clots that can block vessels in the brain, triggering a stroke. Drink enough fluids.

• Standing balance

Maintaining balance while standing requires coordination. Loss of balance when getting in or out of the tub/shower raises the chance of falls. Falls may jostle clots loose to block vessels in the brain, causing stroke. Use grab bars and stand carefully.

• Hypertension meds

Medications treating high blood pressure can contribute to dehydration due to increased urination. Dehydration makes blood clots more likely to form and travel to the brain’s vessels, increasing stroke risk. Stay hydrated.

• Post-exercise showers

Showering after strenuous physical activity adds more stress to blood vessels, and the heart is already strained from exercise. This combines with other bathing stroke triggers to raise the likelihood of a stroke occurring. Cool down fully before bathing.