Internal decapitation

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Internal decapitation, atlantooccipital dislocation, describes the rare process by which the skull separates from the spinal column during severe head injury. This injury is nearly always fatal, since it usually involves nerve damage or severance of the spinal cord.

Hanging relies on allowing the subject to break their neck under their own weight.

[edit] Incidences

There have been several survivors of the injury. In January 2007, a Lincoln, Nebraska woman survived the injury, as there was little nervous system damage. [1] In July 2007 an 11-year-old boy in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan also survived with a hospital stay of only two and a half weeks. [2] In April 2004, a 14-year-old Phoenix, Arizona boy suffered an internal decapitation after being struck by a car while on his bike. He has since recovered from his injuries and the now 17-year-old will be featured on the show I Came Away Alive for the National Geographic Channel.[3]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Mark Andersen. "Woman recovering after internal decapitation", Lincoln Journal Star, 2007-05-23. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  2. ^ Darren Bernhardt. "Boy recovers after near decapitation", Regina Leader-Post, 2007-09-04. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  3. ^ Whiting, Brent. "Valley 'Miracle Boy' subject of TV show", The Arizona Republic, 2008-03-05. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
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