If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.
Overview
Injury to neck arteries can cause stroke later.
You deserve to be safe.
When to get medical care
Call 911Any choking, strangulation, or hanging attempt: call 911, especially with trouble breathing, voice changes, or confusion. Thoughts of harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in danger.
Get care todayNeck pain or marks.
See a doctor soonGet seen today instead; don't wait for a regular appointment.
Causes
Caused by pressure on the neck.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause marks or pain on the neck after being choked, strangled, or a hanging attempt. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Neck injury from choking, strangulation, or a hanging attemptOften needs care today
Pressure on the neck can injure the airway, voice box, and the arteries to the brain, even when there are no marks.
What you can do at home
- Get checked now.
- If someone hurt you, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Medicines
Emergency evaluation.
At the doctor
Imaging checks the neck.
Questions you may be asked
- What happened
- Symptoms
The exam
A neck exam.
Tests
- CT of the neck
Prevention
Support helps.
- Know crisis numbers
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.