Who's to Blame for Michael Jackson's Death?

Who's to blame for Michael Jackson's Death?

The Concert Promoter for Michael Jackson was found not liable for his death. The Jackson family brought suit against the concert promoter alleging they were responsible because they had hired Doctor Murray who was, also allegedly, taking care of Michael.

I'm not sure why anyone would think AEG was responsible. It appears they were doing due diligence in making sure Michael was under the care of a physician. So, who is responsible?

I have blogged about MJ's death before: "Treatment of Celebrities"

So Who is to Blame?

Michael Jackson is primarily accountable. He surrounded himself with caregivers and employees that catered to his addictions rather than surrounding himself with caregivers that were most interested in doing what is right.

Michael Jackson's family was aware of Michael's addiction issues. I am unaware of any attempt to get Michael involuntary or court ordered addiction treatment organized by his family.

Dr. Murray certainly crossed boundaries by even agreeing to be involved in a situation where a patient was taking Propofol in a home setting. He is paying a price after being found negligent in MJ's death.

I hope there can be closure on the death of Michael Jackson. I suspect the family is not done with their attempts to extract legal recourse, and identify "blame" or responsibility for MJ's death. I suggest they look no further then their son, brother, and father; MJ himself.

Celebrity Treatment Options: 

EHD has blogged on treatment options for Celebrities as well.

Delirium Tremens and Alcohol Seizures

Alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous due to the possibility of seizures and the possibility of delirium tremens. Seizures and delirium tremens or DT's can both be life threatening. Seizures are more common and better known to the general public. DT's are less common but have a higher lethality than seizures.
Alcoholic Seizures: Seizures can occur in anyone who is physically dependent on alcohol and who stops drinking. The brain becomes dependent on alcohol over a period of time and when it is taken away precipitiously, the brain may react by having a grand mal seizure.

Delirium Tremens:According to the National Institute of Health; "Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that involves sudden and severe mental or neurological changes. Delirium tremens can occur after a period of heavy alcohol drinking, especially when the person does not eat enough food.It may also be triggered by head injury, infection, or illness in people with a history of heavy alcohol use. It is most common in people who have a history of alcohol withdrawal. It is especially common in those who drink the equivalent of 4 - 5 pints of wine or 7 - 8 pints of beer (or 1 pint of "hard" alcohol) every day for several months. Delirium tremens also commonly affects those who have had a history of habitual alcohol use or alcoholism for more than 10 years."

Additionally, according to the NIH:

"Symptoms most commonly occur within 72 hours after the last drink, but may occur up to 7 - 10 days after the last drink. Symptoms may get worse rapidly, and can include:

• Body tremors
• Mental status changes
  • Agitation, irritability
  • Confusion, disorientation
  • Decreased attention span
  • Decreased mental status
    • Deep sleep that persists for a day or longer
    • Stupor, sleepiness, lethargy
    • Usually occurs after acute symptoms
  • Delirium (severe, acute loss of mental functions)
  • Excitement
  • Fear
  • Hallucinations (such as seeing or feeling things that are not present are most common)
  • Highly sensitive to light, sound, touch
  • Increased activity
  • Mood changes rapidly
  • Restlessness, excitement"

Delirium tremens is a serious medical emergency and can result in death. Signs may include:

• Heavy sweating
• Increased startle reflex
• Irregular heartbeat
• Problems with eye muscle movement
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid muscle tremors

Treatment must be given at a hospital immediately in the event of seizures or delirium tremens.

The early recognition of alcohol withdrawal and the early treatment with appropriate medications will decrease the likelihood of alcohol seizures and delirium tremens. Executive Home Detox has not had a client develop seizures during an alcohol detox. We attribute this to early intervention with appropriate medications.

Home De-Talks: Michael Jackson: Woulda Coulda Shoulda

I have been asked countless numbers of times if my Home Detox program, Executive Home Detox, ( www.HomeDetox.biz ) would have helped Michael Jackson and possibly prevented his death. And every time I want to answer YES, but have to answer NO! The basic reason for this is that Michael Jackson did not give any indication that he wanted to be off drugs. A Home Detox program can only assist those that want to get clean or sober.

Could a Home Detox have helped Michael Jackson? Absolutely, a credible clinician working 1:1 with Michael Jackson could have helped him to get off drugs or at least minimize the risk that was all to apparent after his unfortunate death. But this could only happen if Michael wanted to get clean or wanted a reduced risk. Unfortunately, it seems Michael Jackson just wanted to get "out of himself".