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Near drowning in frigid water: A case study of a 31-year-old woman

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2009

Helena C. G. Huckabee ,
Paul L. Craig  and
J. Michael Williams
Helena C. G. Huckabee
Affiliation:
University of Alaska, Anchorage
Paul L. Craig
Affiliation:
Providence Hospital, Anchorage
J. Michael Williams
Affiliation:
Hahnemann University, Philadelphia
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Abstract

A 31-yr-old woman demonstrated intact neuropsychological functioning after being submerged for at least 30 minutes in icy cold water. Following submersion, the patient received CPR for approximately 1 hr. Eight hours after submersion, the patient's temperature was 31°C (87°F). She remained nonresponsive for 2 days after the accident. Extensive neuropsychological testing was completed 3 mo after the accident with no objective or subjective deficits evidenced. This case of hypothermically mediated neuroprotection from anoxia in an adult supports the need for further research on the putative neurophysiological mechanisms invoked and the potential for application of clinically induced hypothermia in the acute management of other types of cerebral insults. (JINS, 1996, 2, 256–260.)

Keywords

HypothermiaNear-drowningAnoxiaNeuroprotection
Type
Case Study
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 2 , Issue 3 , May 1996 , pp. 256 - 260
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 1996

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