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.
Lann
Meredith A
MA
Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas, TX 75235, USA. malann@dallascounty.org
Martin
Amy
A
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