The Deadly Fainting Game Among Children: A Case Study

Abstract

The fainting game is a strangulation and choking game done alone or in a group and is becoming more and
more practiced by youths. This practice is very popular in schools. This type of game could lead to death by
asphyxiation or may cause adverse neurodevelopmental effects.
In our study, we report the case of a child who died accidentally at home following auto-strangulation while
attempting the fainting game.
The autopsy revealed the presence of bilateral bruising on both faucial tonsils, in addition to Tardieu pleural
spots without other pathologic lesions. The forensic diagnosis was based on the facts and findings of the investigation.
We concluded that the death was caused by mechanical asphyxiation by auto-strangulation.
The goal of this study was to draw attention to the gravity of this game that is spreading among young people.
Informative prevention programs should be put in place to reduce the expansion of this game