Death is one of the inevitable processes in life, symbolizing the end of this life. Experts say that even though the heart and breathing stop when a person dies, and the body becomes motionless, the brain continues to be active for a period of time, and it may even experience the most beautiful moments of one’s life.
Renowned American neuroscientist and neurosurgeon Rahul Jandial recently revealed during an interview on the podcast “Feel Better, Live More” hosted by Rangan Chatterjee that in the minutes after a person’s death, the brain’s activity spikes significantly, a phenomenon that can be measured by instruments.
Jandial mentioned that when we are saying goodbye to our loved ones in their final moments, we should hold their hands a little longer because the brain’s activity is heightened during those moments.
He explained on the podcast that doctors typically determine death using an electroencephalogram (EEG). When the EEG shows a flat line, it signifies that the patient no longer has a heartbeat and is clinically dead.
However, through electrodes on the surface of the skull, doctors can measure electrical activity within the brain in the minutes after death.
Jandial stated, “Brainwaves not only continue but there is an abundance of activity, akin to dreaming brainwaves or expanding memory brainwaves.”
He added, “In the initial few minutes after our hearts stop beating, historically seen as the time of death, the brain is experiencing its final moments, perhaps the best moments.”
During this time, the brain releases a large amount of neurotransmitters, and rather than ceasing during a gasp, it ends in a burst of activity. This suggests that people should hold the hands of the dying for a longer period than previously thought.
Jandial, who frequently operates on cancer patients, elaborated that when someone dies, the heart contracts for the last time, pumping the final bit of blood to the brain. This blood, along with glucose, can keep neurons functioning for a minute or two after the heart stops beating.
He pondered, “What does the brain do at that time? It unleashes all of its weapons from its armory and lets you have perhaps the biggest dream you’ve ever had.”
He noted that in some cases, this phenomenon could explain near-death experiences where individuals report seeing memories from their life flashing like film slides in their minds.
Jandial asserted, “To me, these brainwaves look somewhat like dream brainwaves – perhaps brain death itself is the final massive dream. This tells me dreaming is not a minor glitch.”
In his book titled “This is why you dream: What your sleeping brain reveals about your waking life,” Jandial analyzed common habits of dreaming among individuals.
Host Rangan Chatterjee, also a physician, explained on the podcast that some nurses continue talking to patients after their heart stops beating and they have died, so that they are not alone in their final moments.
Jandial responded that as a cancer surgeon, sharing such stories with his patients occasionally is gratifying.
He said, “In your final moments, a fantastically robust activity will bring you comfort and celebrate the life you have lived.”
Previously reported by Epoch Times, Dr. Sarah Wells, a palliative care doctor from the UK, with 20 years of experience, has cared for 2,000 critically ill patients and witnessed their passing.
Wells mentioned that the moments before a person passes are unique and she feels privileged to be part of it. She views death as a natural, normal, and often beautiful occurrence.
She noticed that a common sign before someone passes is that they start talking about seeing departed loved ones, such as mothers, children who died young, or even pets. Regardless of their beliefs, they find solace in the visions they see.
She remarked that even though she does not have religious beliefs, her work experience has led her to deeply believe that there is an afterlife after death. Her work has taught her that relationships with others are truly important.