Study Links Strangulation to Long-Term Brain Injury in Women

A recent study conducted by researchers at Mass General Brigham has uncovered significant long-term health consequences associated with strangulation from intimate partner violence (IPV). The research indicates that women who have experienced strangulation often suffer from persistent vision problems and traumatic stress years after the incident. This highlights the urgent need for enhanced prevention and treatment strategies for affected individuals.

Globally, nearly one in three women have faced IPV, with a staggering 68% reporting incidents of strangulation. Strangulation can block airflow and blood flow to the brain, leading to potential brain injuries that may manifest long after the physical abuse has ceased. The findings of this study, published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, reveal that such injuries are linked to worsened health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of addressing IPV comprehensively.

Study Details and Findings

The study involved 139 women, predominantly white, who were recruited through various channels, including social media and online advertisements. Researchers categorized participants based on their experiences with strangulation to better understand the severity and range of symptoms reported. Three primary subgroups emerged from the analysis: those who experienced strangulation without loss of consciousness, those with altered consciousness (such as seeing stars or tunnel vision), and those who lost consciousness entirely.

Among the participants, 64% reported a history of strangulation related to IPV, while 30% noted alterations in consciousness, and 15% experienced total loss of consciousness. Data was collected through self-reported symptoms between July 2020 and February 2023, with the average time since the last strangulation event being 8.7 years.

The results indicated that women who had experienced strangulation reported higher instances of vision problems and traumatic stress symptoms. Those who suffered altered consciousness reported even greater issues with vision, while participants who experienced complete loss of consciousness exhibited increased levels of traumatic stress.

Implications for Prevention and Treatment

According to Eve Valera, Ph.D., the corresponding author and investigator in the Mass General Brigham Department of Psychiatry, the study underscores the need for greater awareness of the long-term effects of strangulation associated with IPV. “This study highlights potential long-term consequences of IPV-related strangulation and reinforces the importance of IPV prevention and providing treatment for women in need,” Valera stated.

The research indicates that neurobehavioral issues and traumatic stress can persist long after the immediate physical effects of strangulation. Valera further emphasized that strangulation is often under-reported, indicating a critical need for improved disclosure, social interventions, and timely healthcare for victims.

This study serves as a vital step in understanding the lasting impact of IPV and the associated health complications, paving the way for future research and intervention strategies aimed at supporting survivors. The findings call for an urgent response from healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups to ensure that women receive the necessary care and support to address both immediate and long-term health issues stemming from intimate partner violence.

For further details, see: Xu MC et al. History of Strangulation Is Associated with Current Traumatic Stress, Self-Reported Vision Problems, and Other Neurobehavioral Symptoms in Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence, Journal of Neurotrauma (2025). DOI: 10.1177/08977151251394000.