Sorry For This Grisly Subject - A Rictus Grin

[-SharonA-]

Apologies for this grisly subject, but something is bothering me greatly and I cannot find suitable answers anywhere.

A few years ago, my Mum and I discovered the body of my Aunt and it was the look on her face that got me most of all. I was told it was a rictus grin, the first I have seen this. It was horrible. Like she had seen the Devil!!!

But what I want to know is, did my Aunt die in agony then??? Why do some dead bodies have this grin and some don't??

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"Rigor normally appears within the body around two hours after the deceased has passed away with - as we have already mentioned - the facial and upper neck and shoulder muscles first to visibly suffer from its effects. Many Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO) have reported that upon discovering the deceased that their face might have taken on what looks to be a grimace; this is because the facial muscles have contracted as ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) drains from them"

Source:
http://www.exploreforensics.co.uk/rigor-mortis-and-lividity.html

So it's a normal sign of rigor mortis (and most definitely occurs after death, rather than before it). Some dead bodies won't exhibit the 'grin' simply because rigor mortis hasn't yet set in. With others the position of the body after death (such as lying face down) might mean that ATP doesn't drain away from the muscles.

[-SharonA-]

Thanks Buenchico. It had preyed on my mind that my Aunt died in agony.