Should you stop wearing neckties?-wearing a tight necktie reduces cerebral blood flow

PURPOSE: Negative cerebrovascular effects can be expected by compressing jugular veins and carotids by a necktie. It was already demonstrated that a necktie increases intraocular pressure. In many professions, a special dress code including a necktie and a collared shirt is mandatory although little is known about the effect of this "socially desirable strangulation."

METHODS: In this study, the effect of wearing a necktie concerning cerebral blood flow and jugular venous flow by magnetic resonance imaging. Thirty volunteers were divided in two groups. One underwent MRI with necktie, the other without.

RESULTS: The examination resulted in a statistically significant decrease of CBF after tightening the necktie (p < 0.001) while the venous flow did not show any significant changes.

CONCLUSION: It appears that wearing a necktie leads to a reduction in CBF.