Y20: Hanging, strangulation and suffocation, undetermined intent

Hanging, strangulation, and suffocation with undetermined intent describe a group of conditions that involve the stopping or significant reduction of oxygen to the brain due to an external force or substance applied to the neck or face. These conditions may result from various situations, such as accidental entanglement in a cord, intentional harm by another party, or self-inflicted injury. Typical initial symptoms include loss of consciousness, which if the condition persists, can quickly lead to severe brain damage or death due to lack of oxygen. The key physiological hallmark of these conditions involves the lack of oxygen supply to the brain, and by extension, the rest of the body. The exact progression of these conditions is dependent on the specific circumstances, such as the duration of oxygen deprivation and the individual's health status.