Near-death experiences: A neurophysiologic explanatory model

@article{Morse1989NeardeathEA,
  title={Near-death experiences: A neurophysiologic explanatory model},
  author={Melvin L. Morse and David Venecia and Jerrold M. Milstein},
  journal={Journal of Near-Death Studies},
  year={1989},
  volume={8},
  pages={45-53}
}
Prior hypotheses as to the etiology of near-death experiences (NDEs) have been limited to psychiatric explanations or brief discussions of endorphins as causative agents. We present a neurophysiological explanation for NDEs based on their similarities with lysergic acid-, ketamine-, and hypercapnia-induced hallucinations. We believe the core NDE is genetically imprinted and triggered by serotonergic mechanisms. 
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