I’m a hospice nurse – right here is why terminally sick folks appear to miraculously ‘get well’ earlier than they die

If your loved one on hospice 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 may seemingly improve 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 suddenly get out of bed. 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’ people on the verge of death experience.

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

Though experts are unsure what causes terminal lucidity, recent research shows dying people may experience surges of brain activity or neurotransmitters associated with stress, giving them their final rush of energy. 

Julie McFadden, a hospice nurse in California, revealed in a recent YouTube video that patients receiving end-of-life care may seem to have improved in the days leading up to their death

While the sudden improvement may seem encouraging, Ms McFadden warned it doesn’t mean the patient is suddenly cured. 

She said: ‘The hard part is enjoying that while it’s happening and knowing they will likely die shortly after.’

Ms McFadden said she often hears families describe their loved one’s terminal lucidity as ‘a couple really good days,’ where the patient may ask for their favorite food or seem more engaged.

This typically lasts anywhere from a few hours to a day or two.

Ms McFadden said her own grandmother likely experienced the rally shortly before her death at age 91. 

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

Her grandmother died the next day.

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

It’s unclear exactly what causes terminal lucidity.

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

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

Experts also believe the brain releases a flood of neurotransmitters like serotonin right before death, which could improve mood. 

Ms McFadden said: ‘There is nothing that has been scientifically proven or studied to tell us exactly why it’s happening.’ 

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

She said: ‘Try to stay present in the moment with your loved one having that really good day. Look at it as a true blessing, almost like a gift your loved one is giving you.’