Physiological Consequences of Strangulation Seconds to Minute Timeline

This one-page Seconds to Minutes graphic timeline shows the physiological consequences of strangulation due to occlusion of arterial blood flow. Download the PDF file for citations and references.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF STRANGULATION

Occlusion of Arterial Blood Flow: Seconds to Minutes Timeline

Created by: Ruth Carter; Bill Smock, MD; Sean Dugan, MD; Gael Strack, JD; Yesenia Aceves, BA; Marisol Martinez, MA; and Ashley Peck

0 seconds:

Pressure Applied (Occlusion of carotid arteries.

5-10 (6.8 average) seconds: 

Time to render unconsious. 

14 seconds (11-17 range): 

Anoxic seizure.

15 seconds (minimum): 

Loss of bladder control.

Petechiae: 

Appears between 10-30 seconds.

30 second (minimum):

Loss of bowel control.

62 seconds:

Respiration ceases (beginning time).

157 seconds:

Respiration ceases (ending time).