It's the question that's been around since the beginning of time itself, and if you give it too much thought, it'll give you the creeps.
What exactly does place once we cease to exist?
Recording brain waves, in an effort to answer any and all questions, has led scientists to the conclusion that they may have discovered the solution.
An electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed on an epileptic patient who was 87 years old and from the United States.
Using an electroencephalogram (EEG), the doctors were able to record the patient's brain signals fifteen minutes after the patient passed away following a heart attack.
The finding of an increase in brain waves, also known as 'gamma oscillations,' lends credence to the concept that a person's entire life can appear to "flash before their eyes."
According to Dr. Ajmal Zemmar, who is the lead author of the study, which was published in the journal Frontiers in Ageing Neuroscience, "through generating oscillations involved in memory retrieval, the brain may be playing a last recall of important life events just before we die," similar to the ones reported in near-death experiences. The findings of the study can be found here.
"These findings challenge our understanding of when exactly life ends and generate important subsequent questions, such as those related to the timing of organ donation."
The study showed similar changes in brainwaves between rats at the time of death - but it's the first time it's being detected in humans.
However, as with most studies, the team say that further research is needed in order to provide more conclusive claims.
It's also important to note that the data focuses on just a single case study and the patient's brain had already been damaged from epilepsy.
Therefore, professionals aren't able to conclude if the same thing would occur with a different person near the time of their death.
"Something we may learn from this research is: although our loved ones have their eyes closed and are ready to leave us to rest, their brains may be replaying some of the nicest moments they experienced in their lives," Dr. Zemmar added.
"These findings challenge our knowledge of just when life comes to an end and create crucial subsequent considerations," such as "when should organ donation take place?"
The research found that rats' brainwaves changed in a comparable manner just before they died, but this is the first time that this phenomenon has been observed in people.
However, the team says that additional study is required in order to give more conclusive statements, which is consistent with the findings of the majority of studies.
It is also essential to keep in mind that the data is based on a single case study, and that the epileptic patient's brain already suffered damage from the condition before the study began.
Because of this, medical specialists are unable to say for certain whether or not the same thing would happen with a different person in the moments before they pass away.
"Even if our loved ones have their eyes closed and are getting ready to leave us alone to slumber, their brains may be replaying some of the loveliest moments they encountered in their lives," Dr. Zemmar explained, adding that this is something that "we may learn from this research."
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