Jay Wiseman


		Author on topics of sexuality, relationship, and BDSM Former ambulance medic Former law school professor Expert witness on BDSM matters

Books, Videos, etc.

Workshops and Presentations

Legal Resources

BDSM and Sexuality Resources

Partial Citation of Medical and Other References Regarding Breath Play

Below is an admittedly partial and relatively unsorted list of the various citations I have compiled in both the medical and popular literature regarding my concerns about breath play in general and vagal-induced cardiac arrest in particular. This list will be updated from time to time. Suggestions are welcome.

Information on Carotid Sinus Reflex Death.

Brief Forensic Outline of Asphyxial Deaths.

Case Report of the death of Douglas Scott.

PowerPoint presentation on The Choking Game.

Forensic pathology article on carotid sinus death by neck compression.

Syncope (fainting) article discussing death due to "malignant form of vagal reflex".

Carotid sinus reflex death during hangings.

Abstract of delayed complications of strangulation.

Vagal-induced sudden death due to a variety of causes.

Vagal reflex contributing to death in cases of women being strangled.

Forensic pathology information on neck pressure, including mention of "Instantenous Neurogenic Cardiac Arrest."

Article mentioning strong vasovagal reaction to manipulation of the cervix in women.

Use of atropine to prevent cardiac arrest caused by vagal stimulation.

Use of procaine to treat vagal-induced cardiac arrest.

Good article on a physician testifying in a murder trial about the role of carotid sinus reflex in causing sudden cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrests from choking during judo matches, documented on TV? -- admittedly a somewhat ragged discussion, but thought-provoking.

Vagal inhibition deaths due to exposure to toxic chemicals.

Role of vagal inhibition in autoerotic deaths -- see "when masturbation is deadly".

Bowel-related vagal risks.

Forensic pathology lecture on asphyxia, including role of vagal stimulation.

Oculocardiac reflex: Vagal-induced cardiac arrest secondary to pressure on the eyeballs.

Article on Valsalva maneuver, including mention of Valsalva-induced cardiac arrest.

Article on "heart attack" triggers, including straining during a bowel movement.

Forensic lecture on vagal-induced cardiac arrest secondary to cold-water drowning.

Sudden "Immersion Syndrome" death due to vagal response to drowning in cold water.

More on sudden "Immersion Syndrome" death due to vagal response during cold water drowning.

More on immersion syndrome drowning "secondary to intense parasympathetic discharge".

Carotid sinus reflex death in a child.

Forensic types of ischemia and asphyxia -- excerpt form a forensic pathology textbook; the "good stuff" starts on page 294.

Merck Manual essay mentioning vagal cardiac arrest.

Sudden "heart attack" apparently secondary to sudden severe fear, resulting in a murder charge.

Some more information about cardiac arrest due to severe emotional stress.

News report regarding the horrific homicide/suicide in the Philadelphia area in late December, 2008.

News report of what appears to be a BDSM-related breath control death.