Summary
This paper examines current scientific research into the causes of sudden and unexpected death proximal to restraint. These deaths, although rare, have often been attributed in the popular media to use of a specific force option by police during arrest (Taser, pepper spray, physical restraint etc.). These options are not currently believed to contribute to the cause of death. Instead, research suggests, the fatalities are related to a severe and some times fatal medical condition known as "Excited Delirium".