A 30-Year-Old Man Suffers a Brain Aneu.rysm After Showering Due to a Common Mistake Many Overlook

After finishing his shower, a man suddenly experienced severe head pain. Upon being rushed to the hospital, he was diagnosed with a ruptured blo.od vessel in his brain.

 

 

Chen Deyuan, a neurosurgeon at E-Da Hospital (Taiwan, China), reported that the 30-year-old man had taken a warm shower on the day of the incident, feeling relaxed and comfortable. However, after stepping out of the bathroom wearing thin clothes, he was hit by an intense headache.

He quickly sat down to rest but noticed weakness in his right arm and leg. When he tried to call for help, he felt as if a lump was stuck in his throat, making it difficult to speak clearly.

Fortunately, his family acted swiftly and took him to the emergency room. Medical tests revealed that his blood pressure had skyrocketed to over 200/0 mmHg, and a blood vessel in his brain had ruptured, causing a hemorrhagic stroke.

Following treatment, he was moved to the intensive care unit, but his condition remained critical.

 

The Danger of Temperature Changes

Doctors explained that in environments with low temperatures or significant temperature differences, blood vessels contract. If blood pressure is not well-controlled, it increases the risk of a stroke.

In this man's case, his warm shower raised his body temperature. When he stepped barefoot onto the cold bathroom floor, the sudden temperature change triggered a stroke. As he was young, he likely did not monitor his blood pressure regularly at home.

Chen Deyuan advises that besides keeping warm in cold weather, it is crucial to avoid environments with significant temperature differences. For example, when getting out of a warm bed in the morning, never step directly onto a cold floor with bare feet, as this can lead to vascular contraction. Instead, wear socks or slippers and ensure you're bundled up when going outside to protect against cold air hitting your head.

 

Precautions After Showering

Chinese cardiac surgeon Yuan Mingqi highlights the importance of drying off thoroughly after a shower, especially for individuals with high blood pressure, the elderly, or those on blood pressure and heart medication. Without time to adapt to sudden temperature changes, the rapid contraction or dilation of blood vessels can cause heart attacks or strokes.

To reduce risks while showering:

• Ensure the bathroom temperature is warm and stable.
• Be cautious with hot water, which dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. This can cause tension in your hands, feet, or head.
• Before exiting the bathroom, perform gentle movements to improve blood circulation.

Yuan adds that while using a towel to dry off is helpful, dressing warmly as soon as possible—before drying your hair—can significantly reduce health risks.

By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risk of vascular complications and enjoy a safer, more comfortable showering experience.