I recently had a conversation about an “end of life rally” or “surge of energy”, otherwise termed “Terminal Lucidity”. Although it does not always occur for everyone at the end of life, it can be such a gift to have those special last moments with your loved ones. We must be careful to not have the expectation that it will happen every time but helping to prepare ourselves and our patients that it can occur, will allow opportunities for those final words and hugs to be shared.
I have had the honor to witness a few of those experiences and it is such a gift to witness.
What is Terminal Lucidity and who experiences it?
“End-of-life rallies” have been documented for over 200 years, but only recently has the concept been given a name in scientific literature. In 2009, Michael Nahm, a biologist and forester coined the phrase “Terminal Lucidity,” defining it as “the unexpected return of mental clarity and memory shortly before death.”
A person experiencing Terminal Lucidity suddenly awakens from confusion, drowsiness, or an otherwise non-responsive state, recognizing family and friends, speaking to them with clarity, moving his body, and often asking for a favorite food or drink.
This state of energy and clarity may last for minutes, days, or a few weeks before death. It is as if the dying process has temporarily gone into remission”
See the full article below:
https://lnkd.in/gBvg9xyj
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