forensic death

somatic death

Irreversible loss of body functions due to permanent cessation of circulation , respiration , and brain functions

how to daignose somatic death

Circulation: No arterial pulsations, BP, heartbeats; flat ECG.

Respiration: Apnea; ABG shows hypoxia & hypercapnia incompatible with life.

Brain: Deep coma, absent muscle tone/movements/reflexes; flat EEG.

Early postmortem signs: Hypothermia (31-32°C), hypostasis.

Lab findings: Severe hyperkalemia (>8 mmol/L), severe acidosis (pH < 6.7).

molecular death

Death of individual organs/tissues after circulation stops.

Some tissues survive briefly (e.g., renal cells).

forensic importance of death

Accurate diagnosis prevents premature burial.

Death certificate issued only for natural deaths (with cause, mechanism, manner).

brain stem death

Irreversible loss of brain stem function; requires deep coma, ventilator support, exclusion of reversible causes; confirmed by cranial nerve reflex tests + apnea test (by 2 independent doctors, repeated ≤6 hrs

presistant vegitative state

Loss of higher brain function but intact brain stem; wakefulness without awareness.

Suspended animation

Temporary apparent death; causes include drowning, concussion, electrocution, opiates, anesthesia.

sudden death

Unexpected death within 24 hrs of symptom onset in apparently healthy individuals.

Causes: Cardiovascular, CNS, respiratory, GIT, urogenital, hematologic, endocrine/metabolic.

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