Nonfatal Strangulation: More Than Meets the Eye

Nonfatal strangulation is a relatively newly recognized mechanism of injury that may not be taken seriously because of lack of physical injuries that many times accompany it. This comparison case series supports the importance of considering not only visually detected injuries but also symptoms the patient may be experiencing when determining diagnostics necessary to guide a treatment plan. A visually detectable injury is dependent on multiple factors. Bruises may occur with minimal pressure but may not be visible immediately after assault. Contrary to this, extensive bruising of the neck is not an accurate indicator of damage to underlying structures. The authors' experiences in these two cases signify the necessity of a comprehensive assessment utilizing both physical symptoms and assessments as the basis for determining nonfatal strangulation treatment plans.