Study Links Strangulation to Long-Term Brain Injuries in Women

A new study conducted by investigators at Mass General Brigham has uncovered significant long-term health issues linked to strangulation experienced during intimate partner violence (IPV). The research highlights that women who have undergone strangulation may face lasting vision problems and traumatic stress long after the incidents occur. This is particularly concerning given that nearly one in three women globally have experienced IPV, with approximately 68% of these cases involving strangulation, which restricts air and blood flow to the brain.

The findings, published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, suggest that the effects of strangulation-related brain injuries can persist for years. Eve Valera, Ph.D., the corresponding author and an investigator in the Mass General Brigham Department of Psychiatry, emphasized the study’s implications for IPV prevention and treatment, stating, “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.”

Study Overview and Participant Details

To conduct this study, researchers recruited 139 predominantly white women through various channels, including flyers and social media. The careful selection of participants was crucial, as not all instances of strangulation result in brain injury. The team identified three major subgroups based on the severity of symptoms: those who experienced strangulation, those with altered consciousness (such as seeing stars or tunnel vision), and those who suffered a complete loss of consciousness.

Among the participants, 64% reported a history of IPV-related strangulation, while 30% experienced alterations in consciousness, and 15% reported a full loss of consciousness. The researchers gathered self-reported symptoms, including dizziness, vision issues, and traumatic stress, between July 2020 and February 2023. On average, the last incident of strangulation occurred 8.7 years before the interviews.

Impact of Strangulation on Health

The study revealed that women who experienced strangulation reported higher rates of vision problems and traumatic stress symptoms compared to those who had not. Notably, those who suffered from altered consciousness after strangulation reported more severe vision problems, while those who lost consciousness exhibited heightened traumatic stress symptoms. These findings indicate that self-reported neurobehavioral issues and traumatic stress can persist for years following the traumatic event.

Dr. Valera remarked on the underreporting of strangulation incidents, stressing the need for increased awareness and timely healthcare interventions for those affected by IPV. “Strangulation is under-reported, and more work is needed to encourage disclosure, social interventions, and timely health care for those subjected to these violent events,” she stated.

As societal awareness of IPV grows, so does the necessity for comprehensive support systems for survivors. This study serves as a reminder of the long-term consequences that can arise from such traumatic experiences, illuminating a path for future research and intervention strategies aimed at assisting women in overcoming the aftermath of intimate partner violence.