An unusual death involving a sensory deprivation tank.
Deaths involving sensory deprivation tanks are very rare. We describe a unique case in which a previously healthy 50-year-old woman apparently died while floating in a sensory deprivation tank at her residence. Autopsy failed to reveal definitive anatomical abnormalities pointing to the cause of death. A thorough scene investigation, full medicolegal autopsy to include toxicological analyses, and a complete investigation into the equipment at the scene, were conducted. Blood toxicologic studies were significant for the presence of ethanol (0.27%) and a mixture of over-the-counter sedating medications and prescription drugs. The cause of death was ruled as acute mixed drug and ethanol toxicity combined with probable environmental hyperthermia; manner was accident. This case report will help the forensic community understand the intended use of flotation tanks, as well as possible risks associated with improper use.
Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas, TX 75235, USA. malann@dallascounty.org
Meredith A
MA
Lann
Amy
A
Martin
D001494:Baths; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000097:blood; D020378:Confined Spaces; D003404:Creatinine / Q000032:analysis; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000097:blood; D004319:Doxylamine / Q000097:blood; D000431:Ethanol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D053593:Forensic Toxicology; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000097:blood; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D009929:Organ Size; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000473:pathology; D011693:Purpura / Q000473:pathology; D012683:Sensory Deprivation; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000097:blood; D020280:Sertraline / Q000097:blood; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000737:chemistry
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D003404:Creatinine; D004155:Diphenhydramine; D004319:Doxylamine; D000431:Ethanol; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D020280:Sertraline