NonFatal Strangulation and Domestic Violence
October was Domestic Violence month and in an effort to help highlight this very important topic, join Drs. Salzman, Dragoo, and Richardson from Carolinas Emergency Medicine Residency while they discuss the very important presentation of Strangulation. This is not a mere gesture of power, it may be our last opportunity to save this patient's life! Pearls Strangulation victims are 750% more likely to become a homicide victim. Strangulation is not choking. Call it what it is. External exam findings are often not present and do not rule out internal injury. History is key. Look for neck pain, dizziness, vision/hearing changes, dysphagia, and SOB. Most common internal injury is hyoid fracture. Suspect strangulation? Get CTA neck. Neuro findings? Get non-con CT head + MRI brain. Summarized by Travis Barlock, MD PGY-1