Not knowing how much time is left can be one of the hardest parts of serious illness. Families wait, watch, and wonder, while doctors rely on experience and subtle physical changes to guide decisions in those final hours.
According to research published in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care and led by Dr Jung Hun Kang at Gyeongsang National University Hospital, a small physical response may help indicate when death is very close, reports Unilad.
The study focused on patients already receiving end-of-life care, where predicting timing remains difficult.
A quiet indicator
The research followed over 100 hospice patients with advanced cancer. Medical teams monitored typical signs such as breathing shifts, skin color changes and declining awareness.
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Alongside these, they assessed a reflex linked to the eye, which normally causes an automatic blink when touched.
A clear pattern
The findings showed that patients who no longer reacted were far more likely to die within 24 hours.
This loss appeared to signal a breakdown in essential brain function during the final stage of life.
Researchers noted that while the sign was strongly linked to imminent death, it should not be used alone to make definitive predictions.
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Looking ahead
Further studies are planned to confirm the results in broader populations. There is also growing interest in using technology to detect subtle physical changes earlier and more accurately.
The aim is to give patients and families clearer guidance, helping ensure comfort and dignity at the end of life.
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