FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON June 09, 2021

�鶹��ýӳ�� Recommends Prohibiting Use of Neck Restraints in Law Enforcement

MINNEAPOLIS - The (�鶹��ýӳ��), the world’s largest association of neurologists with more than 36,000 members, is recommending neck restraints, which includes chokeholds and strangleholds, no longer be used in law enforcement. At a minimum, the �鶹��ýӳ�� is strongly encouraging federal, state and local law enforcement and policymakers in the United States to classify neck restraints as a form of deadly force. The recommendations are included in a new �鶹��ýӳ�� position statement on the use of neck restraints in law enforcement. “Neurologists and neuroscience professionals have a responsibility to work toward improving the health of all members of society and educating the public on how to prevent neurologic injury,” said Orly Avitzur, MD, MBA, F�鶹��ýӳ��, President of the �鶹��ýӳ��. “Because of the inherently dangerous nature of these techniques, and because there is no amount of training or method of application of neck restraints that can mitigate the risk of death or permanent profound neurologic damage with these maneuvers, the �鶹��ýӳ�� recommends prohibiting the use of neck restraints in law enforcement.” The position statement acknowledges that the deaths of George Floyd, Eric Garner and other instances where neck restraints were used in law enforcement have called into question whether these restraints are controllable, safe and non-lethal. In addition, the position statement references medical literature and how the cumulative experience of neurologists clearly indicates that restricting cerebral blood flow or oxygen delivery, even briefly, can cause permanent injury to the brain, including stroke, cognitive impairment and even death. “The neurologic consequences that result from limiting blood flow or oxygen to the brain due to the use of neck restraints are potentially irreversible and entirely preventable,” said Avitzur. Unconsciousness resulting from such maneuvers is a manifestation of catastrophic global brain dysfunction. In addition, individuals with underlying cardiovascular risk factors are more vulnerable to suffering significant neurologic injury from neck restraint techniques, and the burden of cardiovascular disease in the United States, particularly in communities of color, remains high.

The �鶹��ýӳ�� is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the �鶹��ýӳ�� provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The �鶹��ýӳ��’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

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