Hyperthermia from a near hanging.

The rapid onset of severe hyperthermia following cerebral hypoxia from a near hanging is reported. The hyperthermia was accompanied by violent shivering and decerebrate posturing. Treatment consisted of rapid reduction of the patient's temperature. Ice packs and cooling blanket were supplemented with the judicious use of anectine and Thorazine to decrease the production of heat. The patient's recovery reflects the body's ability to tolerate brief periods of high temperature and the importance of rapid, aggressive intervention. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of severe hyperthermia from a near hanging.