Non-Fatal Strangulation/Hanging

There are approximately 20’000 strangulation victims each year in the UK

  • 1:11 sexual assault victims
  • Strangulation/Hanging/Suffocation are the most common suicide method in Wales and England

There are 4 main methods:

  • Manual strangulation is used to describe the application of pressure to the neck using the hands.
  • Chokehold or head lock – where the external pressure is applied by an arm around the neck.
  • Ligature e.g. a scarf or belt tightened around the neck.
  • Hanging.

Immediate and significant effects

  • Obstruction of the arteries leads to hypoxia
  • Obstruction of the veins can lead to increased cerebral blood pressure and ‘stagnant hypoxia’
  • Obstruction of the trachea causes hypoxia and hypercapnia
  • Damage to the spinal column, and in turn to the cord and nerves
  • Rarely, a cardiac dysrhythmia due to pressure on the carotid body (node)
  • Damage to the intima of the blood vessels leading to thrombus or dissection

NOTE: Carotid artery dissection can occur despite lack of external injury. Hence the guidance has a low threshold for CT imaging.

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