Semiology and Mechanisms of Near-Death Experiences
Costanza Peinkhofer, Jens P Dreier, Daniel Kondziella
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports July 27, 2019 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-019-0983-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Near-death experience |
| Citations | 45 |
| Key findings | A comprehensive pathophysiological model that includes all aspects of near-death experiences is still lacking, though recent advances confirm their semiology and identify ketamine as capable of producing similar experiences. |
Abstract
Purpose of reviewNear-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 findingsRecent prospective studies confirm that NDEs reflect a spectrum of highly distinctive memories which are associated with negative or positive emotions and can be influenced by the nature of the causal event, but the temporal sequence with which these images unfold is variable. Some drugs, notably ketamine, may lead to experiences that are similar or even identical to NDEs. New models extend previous neural network theories and include aspects of evolutionary and quantum theories. Although the factual existence of NDEs is no longer doubted and the semiology well-described, a pathophysiological model that includes all aspects of NDEs is still lacking.