Accidental asphyxiation by an Arabic headscarf

ABSTRACT

Self-strangulation is an important cause of homicidal and suicidal injury, leading to death due to asphyxia and may be accidental or suicidal. Accidental strangulation is rare, and to be strangulated by a scarf is even less common. We report a 19-year-old male who was accidentally strangulated by his own scarf or 'ghutra' [a traditional cotton headdress worn by Arab males], while working on his idle vehicle engine, resulting in anoxic brain encephalopathy. The patient remained in a persistent vegetative state and ventilator dependent