Psychophysiologic correlates of unconsciousness and near-death experiences.
Journal of Near-Death Studies 1997 DOI: 10.17514/jnds-1997-15-4-p231-258. (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Near-death experience |
| Keywords | Unconsciousness |
| Citations | 60 |
| Key points | Proposes that G-LOC episodes provide a model for understanding the neurobiologic mechanisms of loss of consciousness and near-death experiences. |
Abstract
Although loss and recovery of consciousness are integral parts of the near-death experience (NDE), the role of altered states of conscious ness in the NDE has not been thoroughly investigated. Sixteen years of ob servations, including nearly 1000 acceleration (+Gz)-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) episodes, have revealed a pattern of psychophysiologic symptoms that collectively constitute the G-LOC syndrome and relate to the kinetics of +Gz-induced ischemia. Comparison of the psychophysiologic symp toms of G-LOC episodes and NDEs may help identify those symptoms unique to near-death and the process of dying. I propose a classification scheme for the study of NDEs and for relating near-death research to other psycho physiologic research. This scheme is based on the neurologic states of the nervous system and the transitions between them that result from alteration of blood flow to the nervous system. Consciousness and unconsciousness are considered as the neurobiologic bases of a balance between survival in the external environment and protection from ischemic threat within the inter nal environment. The study of G-LOC episodes in healthy individuals is therefore of value for understanding the mechanisms of both loss of con sciousness and the NDE.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on near-death experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otherworld Journeys: Accounts of Near-Death Experience in Medieval and Modern Times | 1987 | Historical analysis | |
| Neuroscience and the Near-Death Experience: Roles for the NMSA-PCP receptor, the sigma receptor and the endopsychosins | 1990 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Implications of near-death experiences for a postmaterialist psychology. | 2010 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Near-Death Experience as a Probe to Explore (Disconnected) Consciousness | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Near-death experiences between science and prejudice | 2012 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- Psychobiology of Altered States of Consciousness. Psychological Bulletin 2005
- NEAR‐DEATH EXPERIENCES AND SPIRITUALITY Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science June 2, 2006
- Near-death experiences in cardiac arrest survivors Progress in Brain Research 2005
- Semiology and Mechanisms of Near-Death Experiences Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports July 27, 2019
- Biological Aspects of Near-Death Experiences Perspectives in biology and medicine September 1, 1998
and 8 more in the library