You have been seen for a strangulation injury (choking). This can occur from something that put a lot of pressure on your neck. This can occur with hanging, domestic violence, and assault. Choking can also occur during a “choking game” or as part of sexual play. Strangulation can close off vital blood vessels and air passages. This cuts off blood and oxygen from the brain. This can lead to brain damage and vision changes. Choking can damage the soft tissues and nerves in the neck. It causes cuts and bruising. And it can be fatal after just a few minutes.
Home care
If your injuries are from domestic abuse or assault, there are people who can help you. If you want to start talking about this problem, need a safe place to stay, or want legal advice, contact our staff for a referral. Domestic violence is a crime and as a victim you have legal rights. If the police have not yet been involved, consider calling the police for help. Contact a local domestic violence program or a lawyer for more information.
It's vital to make a safety plan if the person who hurt you is your partner or spouse and your situation can become dangerous again. Make the plan now so you’re ready. It’s very hard to think clearly when you are in the middle of a violent encounter. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (see To learn more below) can help you develop a plan that works for you.
Follow up with your healthcare provider or mental health provider for continued medical care if your injuries are from a suicide attempt. Follow-up is very important for your ongoing well-being.
To care for your injuries:
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Rest as you can.
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Don’t stay by yourself. Consider having someone you feel safe with stay with you for a few days. Talk with friends or family about how you are feeling.
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Follow your healthcare provider's advice about the care of any injuries you have. To help ease swelling and pain for the first day or two, put an ice pack on the injured, bruised area for up to 20 minutes. Do this as often as directed. You can make an ice pack by filling a plastic bag that seals at the top with ice cubes. Wrap the bag with a clean, thin towel. Never put an ice pack directly on the skin.
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Clean and bandage any cuts as directed.
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Take any pain medicine as advised by the healthcare provider.
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Try soft foods or a liquid diet to help if swallowing is painful.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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Increasing problems with swallowing or talking, or changes in your voice
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Uncontrollable anxiety or panic attacks
Call 911
Call
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Trouble breathing
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Chest pain
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Fainting or passing out
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Seizures
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Sudden new problems with speech, walking, coordination, facial droop, or weakness or numbness on one side of your body
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Very hard time staying awake (excessive sleepiness)
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Confusion, behavior or speech changes, or memory loss
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Blurred or double vision
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Feeling that you may try to harm yourself or someone else
To learn more
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National Domestic Violence Hotline at www.thehotline.org or 800-799-7233. Offers 24/7 support and local shelter referrals in over 170 languages.
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Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org or call or text
988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)
