The risk of death caused by cardioinhibitory reflex mechanism is very small
Leth, P.M.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 178(8): V08150644
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 1603-6824 PMID: 27063201 Document Number: 687770
Danish forensic reports concerning manual strangulation routinely state that any strangulation attempt may pose a danger to life due to a cardioinhibitory reflex mechanism. There are, however, only few case reports in which a cardioinhibitory reflex mechanism was stated as a possible cause of death. Carotid stimulation may induce syncope in patients with carotid sinus syndrome, but is not associated with increased mortality. Experiments with inflatable neck collars has not led to life-threatening arrhythmias. Neck holds used in martial arts are rarely associated with any complications.