[BluH2o]

The guillotine is actually the most humane method of execution ever devised, the nerves are severed before the brain can register pain. the main problem is that it is very messy.

Informal studies were conducted to see if the mind still functioned for a short period after the head was decapitated, as expressions of disbelief and shock were often noted on the faces of those executed. Prisoners willing were asked to blink their eyes several times if they were still concious and aware immediately after decapitation ... many were able to blink their eyes for close to a minute.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Playing devil's advocate here, I've always wondered if the human (the body from which the head has been severed that is) feels any sense pain, even if for several seconds, or is even aware of it's fate, after a guillotining or beheading?

This is because, the sample pool of people to experience this and then to go on to relate it to scientists is...well...not that large.

[Alouette]

I have read that, but anatomically it is impossible as the ganglia are severed and the brain can not send messages to the muscles.

Decapitated head blinking

Does the head remain conscious after decapitation?