Sequence of reponses in the death throes of eight filmed hangings: physiopathological study of asphyxia of hanging in human beings

Abstract

The human pathophysiology of asphyxia by hanging is still poorly understood. Filmed hangings may hold the
key to answer questions regarding the sequence of events leading to death in human asphyxia. Eight filmed hangings were analyzed. With the time 0 representing the onset of hanging, rapid loss of consciousness was observed
(at 8-18s), closely followed by appearance of convulsions (at 10-19s) in all cases. A complex pattern of decerebration and decortication rigity was then observed in all cases. Last isolated muscle movement occurred between
1min02s and 7min31s. High similitude was observed for respiratory responses: onset of very deep respiratory
attempts between 13 and 24 seconds, last attempt between 1min02s and 2min05s. Despite differences in the types
of hanging, this unique study reveals similarities that are further discussed.