People often jerk or twitch before death because the body begins to lose muscle control and reflexes. These involuntary muscle contractions are called myoclonic jerks.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Loss of Muscle Control: As the body shuts down, the brain's control over the muscles diminishes. This can result in random and unpredictable muscle activity.
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Myoclonic Jerks: These are sudden, brief, involuntary twitching or jerking of a muscle or group of muscles. They are a common occurrence as the body approaches the end of life. These jerks happen when the body begins to lose muscle control and reflexes.
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Brain Activity: It's believed that changes in brain activity during the dying process can contribute to these jerks. The brain might send erratic signals to the muscles, causing them to contract involuntarily.
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Not a Sign of Pain: It is important to understand that these jerks are not necessarily an indication of pain or distress. They are simply a physiological response to the body's systems shutting down.
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Electrolyte Imbalances: Severe electrolyte imbalances can contribute to neurological instability, which may present as jerking or twitching.
In summary, the jerking or twitching often observed before death is primarily due to the loss of muscle control and reflexes, manifesting as myoclonic jerks as the brain and body functions decline.
