Hairdryer syncope.

Abstract

Six cases of hairdryer syncope are presented. This is a recurrent phenomenon, never previously described in medical literature, though it has been recognised for some time by some hairdressers. Elderly ladies sit under hood hairdryers at hairdressing salons for periods of up to 30 minutes. We observed that under these circumstances, some ladies attended the Accident and Emergency department with a history of 'fainting'. A brief survey of hairdressers was conducted around the Stockport area. Possible causes of hairdryer syncope are discussed.