Question

What causes instant death by hanging?

Answer 1

Hint:Hanging is a common mode of committing suicide. Death occurs within a few minutes of hanging. Many patients develop respiratory and neurological complications after incidence. Pulmonary oedema is one of the most common complications that occurs in patients immediately following their rescue from acute airway obstruction or suicidal hanging.

Complete answer:
Hanging is the suspension of a person by a noose or a ligature around the neck. Hanging was formerly referred to as crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body remains hanging.

Until the mid-19th century, short-drop hanging was the most commonly used method. The noose was placed around a person’s neck while the person would stand on a short support structure of some sort, like a stool or a ladder. As soon as the noose is in place, the support gets kicked away and the subsequent short drop slowly strangles the person.

The noose squeezes carotid arteries which carry blood to the brain and press down on the trachea, which brings oxygen to the lungs. As soon as the supply of blood drops, the brain starts to swell up to the extent that at one point it presses on to the top of the spinal column and pinches on the vagus nerve. This action stops the functioning of the heart. By this time, the person becomes unconscious due to the lack of oxygen in the lungs and dies within 20 minutes. It can be said that death by hanging occurs as a result of the tightening of a cord around the neck with the effect of body weight. Although it is not necessary for hanging to be in a completely perpendicular position with the feet off the ground. The exception is in the judicial cases.

As per various studies there three mechanisms have been listed:
i) Apoplexy, caused by pressure on the jugular veins
ii) Asphyxia, caused by stoppage of the windpipe
iii) Shock of medulla oblongata resulting due to the fracture of vertebral column.

Note:Use of alcohol, narcotics, sedatives and various other factors have a strong influences on many cases of suicide. The determination of substance and metabolites in bodily fluids such as blood and urine are the most important criteria in the diagnosis of substances used. With the increase in suicidal cases and awareness of depression and many factors affecting the mental health of people in current times, countries all around the globe have special numbers to seek help if a person starts facing issues or finds himself starting to get occupied with suicidal thoughts.