A person with advanced hypothermia may display irrational behaviors. These are well-documented throughout history; vivid accounts are recorded during the retreat of Napolean's army from Moscow.
Patient selection: advanced hypothermia
Irrational behaviors include:
(1) paradoxical undressing (taking clothes off rather than putting more on), which may be related to peripheral vasodilation or paralysis of the vasomotor center in the brain
(2) laughing and dancing as if intoxicated
(3) terminal burrowing ("hide and die")
Irrational behavior is usually followed by unconsciousness and death.
Differential diagnosis (may co-exist with advanced hypothermia):
(1) dementia
(2) drug or alcohol intoxication
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