ABSTRACT
Knowledge and controversy surrounding excited delirium syndrome (ExDS) continues to evolve. ExDS subjects have features that are overwhelmingly similar, especially in the context of arrest-related deaths. Those features include tolerance to pain, constant or near constant physical activity, failing to respond to police presence, superhuman strength, rapid breathing, not tiring despite heavy exertion, naked/inappropriately clothed, sweating profusely, hot to the touch, and attraction to or destruction of glass. Features are not identical between cases and all features are not required for diagnosis. It is unclear whether any symptom cluster predicts mortality. Early recognition as a medical emergency is important to potentially reduce associated mortality.
