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"Paradoxical undressing" in fatal hypothermia.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|July 1, 1979
Summary
Paradoxical undressing in hypothermia involves victims removing clothes due to altered peripheral vasoconstriction. This often precedes unconsciousness and death, particularly in cold environments.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Paradoxical undressing is a poorly understood phenomenon associated with severe hypothermia.
- This study analyzes 33 cases from Swedish police reports to investigate contributing factors and characteristics.
Observation:
- Cases occurred across diverse demographics and locations, with a slight prevalence in open areas during winter months.
- Concomitant conditions included arteriosclerosis, chronic alcoholism, epilepsy, diabetes, and pregnancy.
- Drug and alcohol use was prevalent, with higher blood ethanol concentrations in females.
Findings:
- Necropsy revealed characteristic findings such as extremity discoloration, pulmonary edema, and gastric hemorrhages.
- Paradoxical undressing is hypothesized to result from peripheral vasoconstriction changes in deep hypothermia.
- The behavior is considered a terminal event, immediately preceding loss of consciousness and death.
Implications:
- Understanding paradoxical undressing is crucial for forensic investigations and hypothermia risk assessment.
- This phenomenon highlights the complex physiological responses to extreme cold exposure.
- Further research into thermoregulation and neurological changes in hypothermia is warranted.
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