The pathologic findings depend on:
(1) the magnitude of the applied pressure
(2) the duration of the pressure
(3) the location relative to arteries, veins and larynx
(4) the patient's comorbid conditions
Pathologic findings that may be found following a neck hold:
(1) petechiae
(2) bruising on the skin of the neck
(3) interstitial hemorrhage into soft tissues, ranging from bruising to hematoma
(4) bruising of the larynx
(5) swelling of the face
(6) fracture of the larynx and/or hyoid bone
(7) damage to veins and/or arteries
(8) evidence of anoxic encephalopathy or stroke
The person being subdued may suffer bradycardia (from vagal stimulation), cardiac arrhythmia (multifactorial) and/or myocardial infarction. If the person dies soon after the restraint then pathologic findings for these are often lacking.
