Overview
Hidden injuries can cause a stroke or airway swelling hours or days later.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Neck pressure injury
- Marks or pain on the neck after being choked, strangled, or a hanging attempt
Less common
- Hoarse voice
- Trouble swallowing
- Neck pain
When to get medical care
Call 911Trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking, or Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, or vision loss: call 911.
Get care todayAny choking or strangling injury. Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.
Possible complications
Diagnosis
Doctors check the neck and brain.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- CT angiogram:
Treatment
Get checked.
Which doctor treats this
- Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- If someone choked you: This is a serious warning sign; call 1-800-799-7233 for safety planning.
Outlook
Care can catch hidden injuries.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- What's causing my symptoms?
- What treatment do you recommend?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- MedlinePlus: Neck injury from choking, strangulation, or a hanging attempt
Last updated 2026-11-12.