A Theory of How the Brain Responds to Imminent Death
by Donna Davila Maddox (2025)
Abstract
This theory proposes that the brain responds to imminent death through two diverging cognitive and chemical pathways, depending on its assessment of whether survival is still possible. These two responses—the Survival Memory Scan and Surrender Mode—create the subjective experiences commonly reported in Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): either the phenomenon of one’s life “flashing before their eyes,” or the sudden onset of profound peace accompanied by emotional detachment. This model, named The Two Gates, is based on four NDEs personally experienced by the author, two of which involved a Life Review and two of which did not.
Hypothesis
When the human brain encounters a life-threatening situation, it instinctively evaluates two things:
- Is there still a chance to survive?
- Is there anything I can do to influence the outcome?
Depending on the outcome of that internal evaluation, one of two neurological gates opens:
Gate 1: The Survival Memory Scan
(The Life Review)
Trigger Condition:
The brain perceives that survival is still possible but lacks a clear, familiar response based on experience.
Process:
The brain launches a high-speed, full-archive scan of autobiographical memory in search of any relevant experience that could help guide action in the present moment.
Subjective Experience:
A rapid flash of vivid life memories—“my life flashed before my eyes.” Often accompanied by a shift into detached observer mode, as the body enters autopilot survival response.
Purpose:
Last-ditch effort to retrieve actionable data that could inform instinctive response and increase chances of survival.
Author’s Lived Examples:
Knife attack: Body fought back while the mind detached and experienced a memory flood.
Drowning: Body was tossed helplessly, while the mind detached and the life review occurred.
Gate 2: Surrender Mode
(The Peace Before Death)
Trigger Condition:
The brain perceives survival as unlikely or impossible, and no action seems capable of changing the outcome.
Process:
The brain releases a wave of chemicals—possibly endorphins, serotonin, or DMT—that induce deep physical relaxation and emotional calm, likely to reduce the pain of dying.
Subjective Experience:
Profound peace, complete emotional detachment, sometimes accompanied by the internal phrase: “I’m ready.” Often experienced as a joyful, transcendent state—though not mystical in origin.
Purpose:
A neurochemical shutdown sequence designed to help the body and mind let go without terror or resistance.
Author’s Lived Examples:
Severe airplane turbulence: Complete peace and acceptance as the brain surrendered to uncontrollable conditions.
Near-fatal COVID infection: No access to care, body in decline, peace and surrender preceded the urgent push to seek help—ultimately saving her life.
Conclusion
The Two Gates theory presents a model of the dying brain that is both biologically plausible and deeply human. When faced with death, the mind opens either the gate of retrieval (to fight) or the gate of release (to surrender). Each experience is not only real but encoded in the very fabric of how the human brain handles danger, uncertainty, and the final threshold. This framework, while grounded in neuroscience, also opens a door to exploring how trust, helplessness, and transcendence may emerge from within—even before death arrives.