Three common habits that can harm the brain and how they raise stroke risk
We know that lifestyle choices shape our long-term brain health, but some everyday habits can quietly increase the risk of brain injury or even a stroke. Dr. Bing, a practicing neurologist, highlights three common practices that deserve a second look. Each habit may seem harmless in the moment, but when repeated over time, they can stress the brain’s blood vessels, disrupt neural function, or raise blood pressure enough to threaten stroke risk.
1) Using massage guns on the neck: a risky practice for arteries
Massage guns are popular tools for sore muscles, but applying them directly to the neck can be dangerous. The neck houses key arteries that supply blood to the brain. Excessive vibration, deep pressure, or sudden movements around this area can injure the carotid or vertebral arteries, potentially leading to arterial tears or compromised blood flow. Dr. Bing emphasizes that any device targeting the neck should be used with caution and ideally under professional guidance. If you experience dizziness, numbness, or weakness after neck massage, seek urgent medical evaluation.
2) Listening to loud music on earbuds: risk to hearing and brain health
Volume matters more than you might think. Prolonged exposure to loud sound through earbuds or headphones can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. Beyond hearing, long-term loud listening can provoke headaches, sleep disruption, and heightened stress responses, all of which can contribute to elevated blood pressure and vascular strain. While listening to music is enjoyable, Dr. Bing recommends keeping volumes moderate (<60-70% of maximum) and limiting listening sessions, especially in noisy environments where the listener cranks the volume to compensate for background sounds.
3) Smoking or vaping: brain and stroke risk with every puff
Smoking and vaping introduce chemicals that harm blood vessels and promote clot formation. Nicotine and other toxins can accelerate atherosclerosis, narrow arteries, and raise blood pressure — all factors that increase stroke risk. Quitting smoking or vaping is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect both brain health and overall cardiovascular health. If you’re trying to quit, strategies that combine behavioral support with medically approved aids tend to be the most successful over time.
Practical tips to protect your brain health
- Use neck-treatment devices only as directed by professionals; prioritize safety and avoid aggressive neck massage.
- Adopt the 60/60 rule for music: listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.
- Stop smoking or vaping and seek support if you’re unsure how to quit; discuss pharmacological or behavioral aids with a clinician.
- Maintain regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep to support vascular health and brain function.
Brain health is a lifelong project, and recognizing risky habits is a powerful first step. If you’re experiencing new neurological symptoms — sudden weakness, trouble speaking, facial drooping, vision changes, or severe headaches — seek medical evaluation promptly. A neurologist can assess stroke risk, guide preventive strategies, and tailor recommendations to your personal health profile.
