I’m a hospice nurse – here is why terminally ill people seem to miraculously ‘recover’ before they die

If your hospice loved one suddenly seemed to get better at the end of their life, you’re not just imagining it.

Julie McFadden, a hospice nurse in California, revealed in a recent… YouTube video that patients receiving end-of-life care can seemingly get better in the days or hours leading up to their death.

Ms McFadden explained to her 500,000 subscribers that this is called terminal lucidity, which occurs when a terminally ill patient experiences a sudden burst of energy, mental clarity and alertness.

While experiencing terminal lucidity, patients may appear to have improved memory and cognitive function, or be able to get out of bed suddenly. They may also have subtle changes in their mood or seem less disoriented.

Then, just hours or days later, the patient dies.

Ms. McFadden called this the number one phenomenon experienced by people on the brink of death.

As many as one in three dying people worldwide may experience terminal lucidity, also known as ‘the surge’ and ‘the rally’.

Although experts aren’t sure what causes terminal lucidity, recent research suggests that dying people may experience spikes in brain activity or neurotransmitters related to stress, giving them their last boost of energy.

Although the sudden improvement seems encouraging, Ms McFadden cautioned that it does not mean the patient is suddenly cured.

She said: ‘The hardest part is enjoying it while it’s happening and knowing that they will probably die shortly afterwards.’

Ms. McFadden said she often hears families describe their loved one’s terminal lucidity as “a few really good days,” with the patient asking for their favorite food or appearing more involved.

This usually takes from a few hours to a day or two.

Ms McFadden said her own grandmother likely witnessed the meeting shortly before her death at the age of 91.

In her final days she refused to eat or drink and slept most of the time. But at one point, Ms McFadden’s family found her sitting up and trying to put on her shoes. She also managed to eat a meal.

Her grandmother died the next day.

Ms McFadden said in her video: ‘That is the perfect example of the rally.’

It is unclear what exactly causes terminal lucidity.

However, a study Published last year looking at brain activity during death suggested that dying brains are starved of oxygen and may cause increased gamma wave activity.

Gamma waves are the fastest brain waves that occur when patients are highly alert and actively processing sensory information.

Experts also believe that just before death the brain releases a flood of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which could improve mood.

Ms McFadden said: ‘There is nothing scientifically proven or studied that can tell us exactly why it happens.’

If a loved one appears to be experiencing terminal lucidity, Ms McFadden urged caregivers to take advantage.

She said, “Try to stay present in the moment while your loved one is having a really nice day. Think of it as a true blessing, almost like a gift your loved one gives you.”