A widely circulating social media post (here and here) claims that wetting the head first while bathing significantly increases the risk of a brain stroke due to increased blood circulation in brain vessels. The post, attributed to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, advises on the correct method of bathing, recommending that people start their showers by wetting their legs first and their head last. Let’s verify the accuracy of this claim.
Claim: Wetting the head first while bathing significantly increases the risk of a brain stroke due to heightened blood circulation in the brain’s vessels.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that wetting the head first during bathing increases the risk of stroke, as affirmed by reputed health organizations and medical experts. Hence , the claim made in the post is FALSE.
Brain cells receive oxygen through blood circulation. A brain stroke occurs when this blood supply is interrupted, and it can be categorized into two main types: ischemic and haemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood vessels are partially or completely obstructed by blood clots, leading to insufficient blood flow to the brain, resulting in stroke and potential paralysis. In contrast, a haemorrhagic stroke happens when blood vessels rupture, causing blood to leak into the brain.
Risk factors for brain strokes include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, genetics, lifestyle changes, etc. However, contrary to the claim made in the post, there is no scientific evidence to support the assertion that pouring water on the head increases blood circulation to a level that would induce a brain stroke.
Furthermore, our thorough examination of the cited source revealed no evidence in the Canadian Medical Association Journal supporting the claim that starting a bath by wetting the head first increases the risk of stroke. Leading health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, National Health Service provide comprehensive information on brain strokes and their risk factors. However, none of these specifically mention that suddenly pouring water on the head elevates the risk of brain strokes.
Earlier, when the same post went viral, several media organizations consulted medical experts who clarified that the claim was false. Doctors explicitly denied any link between showering head-first and the occurrence of brain strokes. They also dismissed the notion of a “correct sequence” of bathing to prevent strokes. To reduce the risk of stroke, doctors recommend managing blood pressure and cholesterol, eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, minimizing alcohol consumption, and having regular check-ups.
To sum up, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that wetting the head first while bathing increases the risk of stroke.
