[Agonal and postmortem movement sequences in hanging].

Abstract

The agonal and supravital movement sequences documented are evaluated on the basis of a case of hanging which was recorded with a video camera. This is evidently an autoerotic accident which was initially misinterpreted by the police as suicidal hanging. The process of hanging documented in the film allows inferences with regard to the genesis of concomitant injuries during the various movement phases. In contrast to observations communicated so far in the literature, the inspiratory phase has particular significance. Moreover, the time course underscores the well-known loss of consciousness within seconds.