A neurobiological model for near-death experiences

Saavedra-Aguilar, Juan C.; Gómez-Jeria, Juan S.

doi:10.1007/bf01074007

Cited by 71 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 53 publications

(41 reference statements)

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“…Other neuroscientists have argued for involvement of the frontal lobe attention area, the parietal lobe orientation area, the thalamus, the hypothalamus, the amygdala, and the hippocampus, and Reissner's fiber in the central canal of the spinal cord (Carr, 1982;Jourdan, 1994;Saavedra-Aguilar and Gómez-Jeria, 1989;Wile, 1994). These putative neurological mechanisms, for which there is little if any empirical evidence, may suggest brain pathways through which NDEs are expressed or interpreted, but do not necessarily imply causal mechanisms (Kelly et al, 2006).…”

Section: Neuroanatomymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…NDEs have also been speculatively linked to a number of anatomic locations in the brain, most often the right temporal lobe (Morse et al, 1989;Saavedra-Aguilar and Gómez-Jeria, 1989), based on purported similarity of NDEs to temporal lobe seizure phenomena. However, NDE-like phenomena are almost never seen in temporal lobe seizures (Devinsky et al, 1989;Rodin, 1989), and electrical stimulation of the temporal lobes may elicit fragmented bits of music, isolated and repetitive scenes that seemed familiar, hearing voices, experiencing fear or other negative emotions, or seeing bizarre, dream-like imagery, in addition to a wide range of somatic sensations that are never reported in NDEs (Gloor, 1990;Horowitz and Adams, 1970).…”

Section: Neuroanatomymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Other models have implicated serotonin, adrenaline, vasopressin, and glutamate (Jansen, 1997;Morse et al, 1989;Saavedra-Aguilar and Gómez-Jeria, 1989). These speculations are based on hypothetical endogenous chemicals or effects that have not been shown to exist, and are not supported by any empirical data.…”

Section: Neurochemistrymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, it has been argued that sensory isolation or bodily malfunction lead a person to feel detached from the body; then endorphins lead to analgesia and feelings of peace; then with increasing anoxia, the visual system may be compromised, producing the illusion of a tunnel and lights, and temporal lobe seizures stimulate a life review; while visions of deceased persons and of another realm are simply hallucinations produced by expectations of what will happen at death (Blackmore, 1993;Saavedra-Aguilar and Gómez-Jeria, 1989). A l t h o u g h physiological, psychological, and sociocultural factors may indeed interact in complicated ways in conjunction with NDEs, theories proposed thus far consist largely of unsupported speculations about what might be happening during an NDE.…”

Section: Multifactorial Modelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…NDEs have been speculatively attributed to a number of neurotransmitters in the brain, most frequently endorphins or other endogenous opioids released under stress (Blackmore, 1993;Carr, 1982;Saavedra-Aguilar and Gómez-Jeria, 1989). However, endorphins produce pain relief and a sense of well-being that persists for hours, whereas the peace and cessation of pain in the NDE are brief, often only a few seconds.…”

Section: Neurochemistrymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Experiências de quase-morte: implicações clínicas

Greyson

2007

Rev. psiquiatr. clín.

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Background: When some people come close to death, they report a profound experience of transcending the physical world that often leads to spiritual transformation. These "near-death experiences" (NDEs) are relevant to clinicians because they lead to changes in beliefs, attitudes, and values; they may be mistaken for psychopathological states, although producing different sequelae requiring different therapeutic approaches; and because they may enhance our understanding of consciousness. Objectives: This literature review examined the evidences regarding explanations proposed to explain NDEs, including expectation, birth memories, altered blood gases, toxic or metabolic hallucinations, and neurochemical and neuroanatomical models. Methods: The literature on NDEs of the past 30 years was examined comprehensively, including medical, nursing, psychological, and sociological databases. Results: NDEs typically produce positive changes in attitudes, beliefs, and values, but may also lead to interpersonal and intrapsychic problems. These problems have been compared to various mental disorders, but are distinguishable from them. Various therapeutic strategies have been proposed to help experiencers with problematic aftereffects, but have not been tested yet. Conclusions: The mystical consciousness and higher mental activity during NDEs, when the brain is severely impaired, challenge current models of brain/mind interaction and may occasionally lead to more complete models for the understanding of consciousness.

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Section: Neuroanatomymentioning

confidence: 99%