Strangulation by Hair: An Uncommon Cause of a Common Accident in Children

TL;DR

A toddler briefly lost consciousness after getting entangled in a sibling's hair, highlighting the rare but dangerous risk of hair strangulation in children.

Contribution

This case report highlights hair-thread tourniquet syndrome as a rare but underreported cause of pediatric injury.

Findings

A toddler briefly lost consciousness after entanglement in a sibling's hair.

The incident emphasizes the risk of everyday items like hair causing harm to young children.

Prompt parental action and emergency care led to full recovery.

Abstract

Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, with suffocation being a significant contributor. While common mechanisms include choking and entrapment, strangulation by household items such as human hair, known as hair-thread tourniquet syndrome (HTTS), is exceedingly rare and underreported. This report describes a rare case of a toddler who briefly lost consciousness after becoming entangled in a sibling’s long hair. Rapid parental response and emergency care led to a full recovery, but the incident underscores how everyday items can pose significant risks to young children, reinforcing the need for heightened awareness and proactive safety measures at home.

Figures