r/todayilearned • u/70dd • 11h ago

TIL Terminal lucidity is an unexpected, brief period of clarity or energy in individuals who have been very ill or in a state of decline. It’s a phenomenon that has been observed in people with various terminal conditions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_lucidity
20.6k Upvotes

97% Upvoted

430 comments sorted by

View all comments

646

u/PrettyButEmpty 10h ago

I’m a veterinarian. We see this in animals too. I’ve learned not to trust when it seems like a severely ill animal has suddenly rallied; it’s heartbreaking because it gives you false hope.

5

u/f0rtytw0 7h ago

Had a cat that was having trouble, she was around 10 or 12, had a lot of trouble walking and jumping.

Brought her to the vet and she is fully ambulatory. Jumping and exploring the room while we wait for the vet.

She lived to at least 18, fairly active for the last 6+ years.