enter the Yamadutas

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This is what ignorant atheist say about terminal restlessness (as found on

one of many medical websites):

 

 

Terminal Agitation: A Major Distressful Symptom in the Dying

 

Many families may be surprised when a terminally ill (and usually calm)

family member becomes restless or even agitated. The depth of such

restlessness or agitation varies from patient to patient. When moods change

or personalities seem to change, family members may be completely bewildered

and feel helpless: not knowing what to do. It is common knowledge that

individuals who are experiencing even minor illnesses may demonstrate mood

changes such as irritability, anger, depression and avoid communication with

others. When a terminal illness not only initially strikes, but is now

nearing the end, patients may experience profound mood changes. Such mood

changes are often difficult for family members to "handle." Causes and

treatments for restlessness and agitation are well-known among the

palliative care professionals who work with the dying on a regular basis.

 

What is Terminal Restlessness or Agitation?

Those who work with the dying know this type of restlessness or agitation

almost immediately. However, the public and patient's family may have no

idea what is going on and often become quite alarmed at their loved one's

condition. What does it look like? Although it varies somewhat in each

patient, there are common themes that are seen over and over again.

 

Patients may be too weak to walk or stand, but they insist on getting up

from the bed to the chair, or from the chair back to the bed. Whatever

position they are in, they complain they are not comfortable and demand to

change positions, even if pain is well managed. They may yell out using

uncharacteristic language, sometimes angrily accusing others around them.

They appear extremely agitated and may not be objective about their own

condition. They may be hallucinating, having psychotic episodes and be

totally "out of control." At these times, the patient's safety is seriously

threatened.

 

Some patients may demand to go to the hospital emergency room, even though

there is nothing that can be done for them there. Some patients may insist

that the police be called ... that someone unseen is trying to harm them.

Some patients may not recognize those around them, confusing them with other

people. They may act as if they were living in the past, confronting an old

enemy.

 

 

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What is terminal restlessness?

 

Terminal restlessness is a variant of confusion that occurs in the last days

or hours of life. It is less common than confusion, but the signs and

symptoms can be particularly distressing for carers and relatives.

 

In addition to the usual symptoms of confusion, there may be increased

physical restlessness or agitation, muscle twitches, or unusual patterns of

muscular contraction. The person may pick at or continuously handle the

bedclothes.

 

The person may moan or call out. Sometimes they make a noise each time they

breathe out. These vocal symptoms can be particularly worrying for carers,

but do not mean that the patient is distressed. Supporting the person in a

more upright position, turned slightly to one side, can reduce or eliminate

this. Sometimes the ill person, even if apparently unconscious, may react

with distress to sudden stimulation.