autoerotic asphyxia

autoerotic asphyxia

n.

A form of sexual masochism in which oxygen flow to the brain is reduced, as by controlled strangulation or suffocation, in order to enhance the pleasure of masturbation.

An activity predicated on the belief that when the carotid arteries and jugular veins are compressed, the effects on the cerebral circulation elicit sexual stimulation; transient ischemia does produce a sensation of lightheadedness and often a tingling sensation in the extremitites

asphyxia

(as-fik'se-a) [ ¹an- + Gr. sphyxis, pulse]

An insufficient intake of oxygen. asphyxial (-se-al), adjective

Etiology

Extrinsic causes include choking, toxic gases, exhaust gas (principally carbon monoxide), electric shock, drugs, anesthesia, trauma, crushing injuries of the chest, compression of the chest, injury of the respiratory nerves or centers, diminished environmental oxygenation, and drowning.

Intrinsic causes include hemorrhage into the lungs or pleural cavity, foreign bodies in the throat, swelling of the airways, diseases of the airways, ruptured aneurysm or abscess, edema of the lung, cardiac deficiency, tumors such as goiter, and pharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses. Other causes include paralysis of the respiratory center or of respiratory muscles, anesthesia, pneumothorax, narcotic drugs, electrocution, and child abuse.

Symptoms

In general, symptoms range in severity from dyspnea, palpitations, and impairment of consciousness, to coma, seizures, permanent brain injury, and death.

autoerotic asphyxia

Autoerotic hypoxia.

fetal asphyxia

Asphyxia occurring in a fetus. It results from interference in placental circulation, umbilical cord compression, or premature separation of the placenta, as in abruptio placentae.

local asphyxia

Asphyxia affecting a limited portion of the body (e.g., fingers, hands, toes, or feet) due to insufficient blood supply. It is a symptom usually associated with Raynaud's disease.

asphyxia neonatorum

A dated term for respiratory failure in the newborn.

asphyxia pallida

An obsolete term for asphyxia in which difficulty in breathing is accompanied by weak and thready pulse, pale skin, and absence of reflexes.

sexual asphyxia

Autoerotic hypoxia.