Key information to know about strangulation

Little pressure is needed to occlude the vessels in your neck and prevent oxygenated blood getting to your brain.

• Amount of pressure needed to occlude the following neck structures to prevent you from breathing or lose consciousness include:
  • Person’s hand shake= 60-100 lbs of pressure
  • Occluding a trachea (windpipe)= 33 lbs of pressure
  • Opening a can of soda= 20 lbs of pressure
  • Occluding a carotid artery (vessel that carries blood from the heart to the brain)= 11 lbs of pressure
  • Occluding a jugular vein (vessel that carries blood from the brain back to the heart)= 4 lbs of pressure

Lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain increases the risk for having a traumatic brain injury or stroke.*

Only 50% of strangulation victims have evidence of external injury on his/her/their neck.

• If you are having any signs or symptoms, regardless if there is no visible injury to your neck, seek medical attention immediately.

• Internal injuries tend to have a delayed onset of symptoms up to 36 hours after the strangulation event. This can be serious or fatal.
  • It is imperative someone stays with you for the first 24 hours post event to monitor your neurological and breathing status.
  • If you have any difficulty breathing or stroke-like symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.