Can choking during sex cause brain damage? Emerging evidence points to hidden neurological risks
“Choking” is a term commonly used to describe applying pressure to a partner’s neck during intimacy. In medical contexts, however, choking refers to an internal blockage of the airway, like swallowing a foreign object. The clinical term for applying external force to the neck is strangulation. Strangulation restricts the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. Over the past decade, this practice has transitioned from niche circles into mainstream sexual encounters. Medical professionals are beginning to investigate the potential neurological consequences of this behavior. A growing body of scientific literature suggests that these encounters provide evidence of hidden physiological strain. Scientists are now asking if consensual neck compression could lead to lasting brain damage. To answer this, researchers are looking at everything from basic anatomy to advanced brain imaging. The Biology of Neck Compression To understand the risks, it helps to examine the anatomy of the neck. The neck contains the jugular veins, which carry oxygen-depleted blood away from the brain, and the carotid arteries, which supply the brain with fresh oxygen. It also …
