Semiology and Mechanisms of Near-Death Experiences

@article{Peinkhofer2019SemiologyAM,
  title={Semiology and Mechanisms of Near-Death Experiences},
  author={Costanza Peinkhofer and Jens P. Dreier and Daniel Kondziella},
  journal={Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports},
  year={2019},
  volume={19}
}
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are conscious perceptual experiences, including self-related emotional, spiritual, and mystical experiences, occurring in close encounters with death or in non-life-threatening situations. The origin of NDEs remains unknown. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of NDE semiology and pathophysiology. Recent prospective studies confirm that NDEs reflect a spectrum of highly distinctive memories which are associated with negative or positive emotions… 
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11 Citations
Background Citations
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11 Citations

Near-Death Experience as a Probe to Explore (Disconnected) Consciousness

Continuous EEG of memories of Near-death and mystical experiences: Preliminary research

We recently recorded, processed, and published brain activity by quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEGt), comparing separate subjects remembering…

Losing the Self in Near-Death Experiences: The Experience of Ego-Dissolution

This study suggests that the experience of dissolved ego-boundaries is a common feature of NDEs and is positively correlated with the intensity of OBE and a sense of unity.

The Neurology of Death and the Dying Brain: A Pictorial Essay

The aim is to provide the reader with a thorough understanding that the boundaries within the neurology of death and the dying brain are being pushed just like everywhere else in the clinical neurosciences.

Migraine aura, a predictor of near-death experiences in a crowdsourced study

In this sample, migraine aura was a predictor of NDE, which indirectly supports the association between NDE and REM intrusion and might have implications for the understanding ofNDE.

The evolutionary origin of near-death experiences: a systematic investigation

It is proposed that the acquisition of language enabled humans to transform these events from relatively stereotyped death-feigning under predatory attacks into the rich perceptions that form near-death experiences and extend to non-predatory situations.

Hystero-epilepsy in the Tuesday Lessons and NMDA receptor function: A hypothesis for dissociative disorder.

Near-Death Experience among Iranian Muslim Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Survivors

Iranian Muslim CPR survivors, reported NDEs, much similar to those reported by survivors in Western countries with different theistic religions, means that medical professionals dealing with these patients need to be aware of such experiences in Iranian Muslims.

Prevalence of near-death experiences in people with and without REM sleep intrusion

While age, gender, place of residence, employment status and perceived threat do not seem to influence the prevalence of near-death experiences, a possible association with REM sleep intrusion is confirmed.

Cortical Inhibitory Imbalance in Functional Paralysis

This study extends current knowledge of functional weakness, arguing for a specific central nervous system abnormality which may be involved in the symptoms’ pathophysiology.

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