NCJ Number
219267
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2007 Pages: 957-959
Date Published
July 2007
Length
3 pages
Annotation
In order to expand the limited literature on the pathophysiology of human hanging, this paper describes the sequence of physiological processes captured in the filmed suicidal hanging of a 37-year-old man.
Abstract
The nature and time frames of the observations obtained from the film were as follows: loss of consciousness (13 seconds); convulsions (15 seconds); decortication rigidity, i.e., rigidity due to deterioration of the outer layer of brain matter (46 seconds); decerebation rigidity, i.e., loss of brain function (46 seconds); second decortication rigidity (1 minute 11 seconds); loss of muscle tone (1 minute 38 seconds); and last isolated muscle movement (4 minutes 10 seconds). Regarding respiratory responses, very deep respiratory attempts began at 20 seconds. Respiratory efforts progressively decreased and stopped completely at 2 minutes. Although generalizing these observations to all cases of asphyxia from hanging should not be done, this case provides insight into bodily movements and respiratory response to asphyxia by hanging under the conditions of this specific case. Several factors influence the movement and respiratory responses to asphyxia through hanging, including the type of hanging ligature (soft v. rigid, large versus thin, with or without knots, etc.), the position of the hanging (suspended hanging, standing-up hanging, or hanging in a sitting position, etc.), and victim characteristics (age, sex, body weight, etc.). 2 figures and 5 references