SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF

STRANGULATION
SCALP

NEUROLOGICAL
Loss of memory
Loss of consciousness
Behavioral changes
Loss of sensation
Extremity weakness
Difficulty speaking

Fainting
Urination
Defecation
Vomiting
Dizziness
Headaches

Petechiae
Bald spots (from hair being pulled)
Bump to the head (from blunt force
trauma or falling to the ground)

EARS

EYES & EYELIDS

Ringing in ears
Petechiae on earlobe(s)
Bruising behind the ear
Bleeding in the ear

Petechiae to eyeball
Petechiae to eyelid
Bloody red eyeball(s)
Vision changes
Droopy eyelid

MOUTH

FACE

Bruising
Swollen tongue
Swollen lips
Cuts/abrasions
Internal Petechiae

Petechiae (tiny red spotsslightly red or florid)
Scratch marks
Facial drooping
Swelling

NECK
CHEST

Redness
Scratch marks
Finger nail impressions
Bruising (thumb or fingers)
Swelling
Ligature Marks

Chest pain
Redness
Scratch marks
Bruising
Abrasions

VOICE & THROAT CHANGES
Raspy or hoarse voice
Unable to speak
Trouble swallowing
Painful to swallow
Clearing the throat

BREATHING CHANGES

Coughing
Nausea
Drooling
Sore throat
Stridor

Difficulty breathing
Respiratory distress
Unable to breathe

Source: Strangulation in Intimate Partner Violence, Chapter 16, Intimate Partner Violence. Oxford University Press, Inc. 2009.
TRAINING INSTITUTE on

STRANGULATION

PREVENTION

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Graphics by Yesenia Aceves