Winton Eliott
Near-death experiences, or NDEs, are induced during specific life-threatening events such as blunt trauma to the body, a heart attack, asphyxia, shock, and so on.
Individuals who have had an NDE often report floating above their bodies, being greeted by deceased relatives or religious figures, and experiencing a life review.
Though the vast majority of people who have had an NDE return to normal life without any long-term effects, some may suffer from PTSD.
What happens to the brain during an NDE?
Near-death experiences (NDEs) have been reported throughout history and across cultures.
Although the details of these experiences vary, they often include features such as out-of-body experiences, vivid hallucinations, and a sense of peace or transcendence.
So what happens to the brain during an NDE?
There are a number of theories that attempt to explain NDEs from a neurological perspective.
One popular theory is that they are simply the result of oxygen deprivation. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, it can lead to changes in consciousness, including hallucinations and out-of-body experiences.
However, this theory does not explain why people report such similar experiences despite differing levels of oxygen deprivation.
Another theory suggests that NDEs are caused by electrical activity in the brain known as “burst suppression.”
This activity can occur when the brain is under stress or during certain types of seizures.
It is associated with reduced blood flow and oxygen levels, which could explain why people report experiencing darkness or tunnel vision during an NDE.
However, this theory does not explain why people often report positive emotions during an NDE, such as happiness or peace.
Given the lack of consensus on what causes NDEs, it is likely that they are the result of a combination of factors.
It is possible that different people experience different aspects of an NDE depending on individual differences in brain physiology.
For example, some people may be more susceptible to oxygen deprivation while others may be more susceptible to electrical activity.
Additionally, psychological factors such as expectation and belief may also play a role in shaping the experience.
What is the first near death experience recorded?
The first recorded near-death experience dates back to the early fifth century.
Saint Augustine of Hippo, a Christian theologian and philosopher, wrote about a man who had been revived after being pronounced dead.
The man reported floating outside of his body and seeing a bright light.
While the details of this story cannot be verified, it provides an early glimpse into what has become a common phenomenon.
Near-death experiences are often reported by those who have come close to death or have been revived after being clinically dead.
These experiences typically involve the sensation of floating outside of the body, seeing a bright light, and feeling a sense of peace or happiness.
Although the exact cause of near-death experiences is unknown, they offer an intriguing glimpse into the mysteries of life and death.
What are the symptoms of near death experiences?
Although there is much debate surrounding the topic of near death experiences (NDEs), there are some common symptoms that have been reported by those who have experienced them. These include:
- Feelings of peace and calm
- Out-of-body experiences
- Tunnel vision
- Encounters with deceased loved ones.
In many cases, people report having a profound sense of KNOWING during an NDE.
This may manifest as a sudden understanding of the nature of existence, or a deep awareness of past lives. Some people also report seeing a bright light or feeling as though they are ascending to heaven.
Although NDEs can be deeply moving experiences, it is important to remember that they are not necessarily indicative of an afterlife.
Rather, they may simply be products of the brain’s reaction to extreme stress or lack of oxygen.
The bottom line
Near-death experiences are complex and often deeply personal.
Although there is much debate surrounding their cause, it is generally agreed that they offer an intriguing glimpse into the mysteries of life and death.
If you have experienced an NDE, or know someone who has, there are many support groups and resources available to help you process and understand your experience.
