Why does the body convulse when you hang yourself?

[Trashcan]

There are several videos that show people who've hanged themselves convulse for about a minute after they lose conciousness. Why is this?

 

[tevati]

Yeah i have seen the same. Even while you are dying your brain/body trys to survive. I think some brain cells destroyed or triggered. I am not a doctor.

 

[Jen Erik]

From what I understand, it has to do with activity occurring in the brain that is triggered by the specific mechanical action involved in hanging, ie compression of juggler, carotid, etc.

On page 2 of this study, under the heading Decerebrate Rigidity and Decorticate Rigidity there's a brief discussion about it: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/91d4/a151683bcca5497cfb4150fdd501835d0bdc.pdf

 

[Sourpatchrapper]

The brain and nerves in the body are reacting to lack of blood and oxygen and shutting down.. kinda like when a car runs out gas

 

[CJM]

BrainSlave: Sir! our supply lines are in critical danger of running out..
Brain: How? That can't be right, send a signal out there, get artery on the line!
BrainSlave: Signal failed sir! Core will start dying in T minus, I don't know, minutes!
Brain: Organise the survival reaction squad, now!
BrainSlave: Squad has failed, this is it!
Brain: Shit..

 

[Final Escape]

BrainSlave: Sir! our supply lines are in critical danger of running out..
Brain: How? That can't be right, send a signal out there, get artery on the line!
BrainSlave: Signal failed sir! Core will start dying in T minus, I don't know, minutes!
Brain: Organise the survival reaction squad, now!
BrainSlave: Squad has failed, this is it!
Brain: Shit..

Lmao