MEDICOLEGAL ASPECTS OF ASPHYXIA WITH REFERENCE TO HANGING

Abstract

The asphyxia in legal aspect can be caused by a number of events i.e. hanging, strangulation, suffocation, smothering, choking, electricity shock, etc. Hanging is a form of ligature strangulation in which the force applied to the neck is derived from a gravitational drag of the weight of the body or part of the body. Various mechanism involved in death due to compression of neck in cases of hanging are asphyxia, venous congestion, combined asphyxia and venous congestion, cerebral anaemia, reflex vagal inhibition and fracture or dislocation of the cervical vertebra. Familial support, rehabilitation and treatment of the person are necessary.