I feel dizzy when I wear a turtleneck sweater. It turns out there’s something wrong with my neck!

Review expert: Yin Tielun, deputy chief physician of the Department of Neurology, Airport Branch, Peking University Third Hospital

The weather is getting colder and cold air is coming. Some people wear down jackets, some wear woolen sweaters, and turtleneck sweaters that are fashionable and warm are also the choice of many people.

Although it is warm and windproof, and it can save the trouble of scarves, some friends find that they feel dizzy, have headaches, or even feel chest tightness and want to vomit after wearing turtleneck sweaters. Why is this? Could it be related to the collar of the sweater?

Source: pexels

In fact, this is true. This symptom occurs because of "collar syndrome".

1

What is "collar syndrome"?

** Collar syndrome refers to a series of uncomfortable symptoms such as dizziness, headache, chest tightness, nausea, etc. that occur when wearing high-collared clothes. In fact, its medical name is "carotid sinus syndrome"**. The carotid sinus is a special area located at the bifurcation of the carotid artery. We can put our hands about three fingers to the left and right of the midline of the neck, and we can feel obvious blood vessel fluctuations. This is probably the location of the carotid sinus. It contains pressure receptors that can sense changes in blood pressure. When the carotid sinus is stimulated externally (such as pressing) or blood pressure rises, it sends signals to the brain to slow down the heart rate and reduce blood pressure, thereby helping to maintain blood pressure stability. The function of the carotid sinus is very important for regulating the balance of blood pressure and regulating the heart rate of the human body.

Approximate location of the carotid sinus Source: Pasquier M. et al. (2017)

Carotid sinus syndrome usually refers to a series of symptoms caused by abnormal function of pressure receptors in the carotid sinus area . Its typical symptoms include syncope, bradycardia or tachycardia. These symptoms usually occur when the carotid sinus area is subjected to external stimulation or pressure, such as neck pressure, carotid artery massage, neck tumors or neck surgery. These stimuli may cause the carotid sinus receptors to abnormally trigger the vagus nerve or sympathetic nervous system, causing changes in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to the onset of symptoms.

When wearing high-necked clothing, the pressure of the collar may cause pressure on the carotid sinus, which will stimulate the receptors and interpret them as stimulation caused by changes in blood pressure in the neck artery. They will then send nerve signals to the brain, conveying information about changes in blood pressure.

After receiving the wrong information, the brain will interfere with the normal regulatory mechanism of the human body, causing disorder in the human nerve signals and blood circulation, and interfering with the normal function of the system. This may cause an abnormal increase in the human heart rate, palpitations or tachycardia, and difficulty breathing, which is generally manifested as shortness of breath and a feeling of suffocation. The confusion of nerve signals will interfere with the regulation of blood supply, and the disorder of blood circulation may lead to insufficient blood supply and oxygen supply, causing dizziness or vertigo. At the same time, it will also cause tension in the neck muscles and dilation of blood vessels, causing symptoms of headache or neck discomfort.

2

How to relieve carotid sinus syndrome?

Carotid sinus syndrome is caused by the carotid sinus being too sensitive. Even a slight stimulation can cause more drastic fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate , which manifests as dizziness or even fainting, but the severity varies from person to person. For some people, the symptoms may be mild and will not have a significant impact on their daily lives; for those with more severe symptoms, the symptoms of carotid sinus syndrome are so severe that they may even affect their quality of life and safety.

Source: Unsplash

Fortunately, there are ways to help relieve the discomfort and symptoms associated with carotid sinus syndrome. Here are some common relief methods:

1. Avoid wearing high collars: Reducing the pressure on the neck is the most direct and effective way to avoid symptoms. Choose loose and comfortable clothing and avoid high collars or tight necklines.

2. Adjust your posture and position: Maintaining a correct posture and avoiding excessive twisting or overstretching of the neck can help reduce discomfort. Avoid bowing your head for long periods of time or tilting your head back too much.

3. Rest and Relaxation: Avoid prolonged tension. Proper rest and relaxation can help relieve symptoms. Moderate stretching exercises, relaxing massages, or deep breathing can help relax neck muscles and improve blood circulation.

4. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, and adopting a healthy diet, including a diet low in salt and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the onset of symptoms.

It is important to emphasize that although carotid sinus syndrome itself is not usually considered a fatal disease, its symptoms and complications can have a significant impact on the patient's life and health. Therefore, for patients diagnosed with carotid sinus syndrome, it is recommended to actively seek medical advice and treatment to ensure that symptoms are properly managed and controlled.

Early diagnosis and effective management of carotid sinus syndrome can help patients reduce the onset of symptoms and the risk of potential complications. Although carotid sinus syndrome is a rare disease, scientific knowledge and correct lifestyle habits can help us better cope with this health challenge. Choosing appropriate clothing, maintaining correct posture, and taking proper rest and relaxation are important measures to relieve symptoms. In addition, timely consultation with a doctor for professional advice is also key. Let us pursue a healthy and comfortable life together through scientific knowledge and an active lifestyle.