Hanging || FMT Lecture

Описание: Hanging || FMT Lecture

Asphyxia Lecture:    • Asphyxia || FMT Lecture  

In forensic medicine, "hanging" refers to a form of asphyxia
caused by suspension from a ligature around the neck. It is
a common method of suicide and can also occur
accidentally or as a result of homicide. The examination of
hanging cases is crucial in forensic investigations for
several reasons:
1. Cause of Death Determination: Establishing whether the
hanging was suicidal, accidental, or homicidal is vital in
determining the cause of death.
2. Forensic Pathology: Forensic pathologists examine the
ligature marks, injuries, and other physical evidence to
provide insights into the circumstances surrounding the
hanging.
3. Autopsy Findings: Autopsies help identify the specific
injuries, signs of struggle, and any contributing factors,
aiding ina comprehensive understanding of the case.
4. Legal lImplications: The findings from hanging cases can
have significant legal implications, especially in cases of
suspected foul play or when determining insurance claims.
5. Psychological Autopsy: Understanding the psychological
state of the deceased person can be important in suicide
cases. This involves exploring the individual's mental
health history, previous suicide attempts, and potential
external stressors.
6. Preventing Misinterpretation: Proper investigation
prevents misinterpretation of the cause of death, ensuring
accurate information is provided for legal and insurance
purposes.
Hanging is a form of asphyxiation resulting from suspension
by a ligature around the neck. It can occur in various
settings, including suicides, accidental incidents, or
homicides. Here are some details about hanging:
1. Types of Hanging:
• Complete Hanging: The entire body is suspended,
causing compression of the neck structures and
obstructing the airway.
• Incomplete Hanging: The person may be partially in
contact with a surface, and the ligature might not fully
close off the airway.
2. Ligature Material:
• The ligature material can vary and may include ropes,
belts, wires, or other items capable of encircling the
neck.
3. Mechanism of Asphyxia:
As the ligature tightens around the neck, it compresses
the structures, including the airway and blood vessels.
• This compression leads to reduced oxygen supply to
the brain, causing cerebral hypoxia.
4. Physical Findings:
Ligature Marks: These are impressions or abrasions on
the neck, indicating the pressure exerted by the
ligature.
Petechiae: Small, red or purple spots may be present on
the face and eyes due to increased pressure in blood
vessels during the hanging.
5. Autopsy Examination:
• Forensic pathologists conduct autopsies to examine the
neck structures, iderntify injuries, and determine the
cause of death.
• Internal examination may reveal fractures of the hyoid
bone or other neck structures.
6. Suicidal Hanging:
Suicidal hanging is a common method of suicide, and
psychological autopsy may be conducted to
understand the individual's mental state leading up to
the event.
7. Accidental Hanging:
Accidental hangings can occur during risky activities or
as a result of unintentional entanglement.
8. Forensic Significance:
Forensic experts assess the circumstances surrounding
hanging cases to differentiate between suicide,
homicide, or accident.

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