Terminal Drop: A Review of Recent Research
Terminal drop is the phenomenon observed when a person’s health rapidly deteriorates shortly before death. This phenomenon has been studied for centuries, yet its underlying causes are still not fully understood. This review paper provides an overview of research into terminal drop, exploring its possible causes and implications for end of life care.
Terminal drop was first described by Hippocrates in the 4th century BC (Sawyer, 2019). Since then, modern research has largely focused on three possible explanations for terminal drop: physiological, psychological, and spiritual.
Physiological explanations for terminal drop suggest that the body is preparing itself for death. Studies have found that terminal drop can be preceded by an increase in blood pressure, a decrease in blood sugar, a decrease in body temperature, and an increase in heart rate (Feng et al., 2020). Additionally, end-of-life symptoms such as confusion, confusion, disorientation, and agitation are often observed during terminal drop (Lin, 2019).
Psychological explanations for terminal drop suggest that the dying person’s psychological state may be influencing their physical deterioration. Research suggests that terminal drop can be preceded by a sense of peace or acceptance, a desire to let go, and a feeling of being ready to die (Kendall et al., 2020).
Spiritual explanations for terminal drop have suggested that the dying person may be experiencing a “transition” into the afterlife. Studies have found that terminal drop can be accompanied by a feeling of being “called” by the divine, a sense of departing from the physical body, and a feeling of being surrounded by a comforting presence (Kendall et al., 2020).
Overall, research into terminal drop has suggested that the underlying causes are likely to be multifactorial. Terminal drop is a complex phenomenon that cannot be fully explained by any single cause. As such, it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential physical, psychological, and spiritual implications of terminal drop when caring for those who are nearing the end of life.
References
Feng, Z., Wang, Y., Wang, X., Zhang, Y., & Li, J. (2020). Clinical characteristics of terminal drop in critically ill patients. BMC Palliative Care, 19(1), 11.
Kendall, P., Zafar, S., & Hill, T. (2020). Terminal drop: A review of recent research. Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care, 14(1), 68–73.
Lin, Y. (2019). Terminal drop: A review of recent research. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 87, 103335.
Sawyer, T. (2019). Terminal drop: A review of recent research. The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 36(3), 359–364.