Visuo-spatial imagery in dreams of congenitally and early blind: a systematic review
Katarina Ilić, Rita Bertani, Neda Lapteva, Panagis Drakatos, Alessio Delogu, Kausar Raheel, Matthew Soteriou, Carlotta Mutti, Joerg S. Steier, David W. Carmichael, Peter James Goadsby, Adam Ockelford, Ivana Rosenzweig
Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience June 30, 2023 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1204129 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Congenitally and early blind subjects |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key findings | The reviewed literature broadly suggests that the occipital cortex in blind individuals may integrate non-visual sensory inputs and possibly generate visuo-spatial impressions, and some blind subjects report visual impressions during near-death or out-of-body experiences. The authors argue that deciphering the mechanism of these impressions could open possibilities for using neuroplasticity to treat neurodisability. |
Abstract
Background: The presence of visual imagery in dreams of congenitally blind people has long been a matter of substantial controversy. We set to systematically review body of published work on the presence and nature of oneiric visuo-spatial impressions in congenitally and early blind subjects across different areas of research, from experimental psychology, functional neuroimaging, sensory substitution, and sleep research.
Methods: Relevant studies were identified using the following databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsychINFO.
Results: Studies using diverse imaging techniques and sensory substitution devices broadly suggest that the "blind" occipital cortex may be able to integrate non-visual sensory inputs, and thus possibly also generate visuo-spatial impressions. Visual impressions have also been reported by blind subjects who had near-death or out-of-body experiences.
Conclusion: Deciphering the mechanistic nature of these visual impression could open new possibility in utilization of neuroplasticity and its potential role for treatment of neurodisability.
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- What out-of-body experiences may tell us about the mind beyond the brain. International Review of Psychiatry 2025
- The Human Body is the Collective Unconscious: Archetypal Images as Innate Embodied Metaphors Journal of Analytical Psychology May 29, 2024
- Dreaming conundrum Journal of Sleep Research October 3, 2024
- Experiences of self-continuity and self-discontinuity in dreams and its relation with the body and affectivity. Consciousness and Cognition July 20, 2026
- Brain and Environment Interaction: Neuroplasticity of the Visual Cortex and the Roles of Sensory Deprivation, Sleep, and Dreams. Psychiatry July 6, 2026
and 2 more in the library
Cites 10
- The Nature of Consciousness in the Visually Deprived Brain Frontiers in Psychology 2011
- The Structure of Laboratory Dream Reports in Blind and Sighted Subjects The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease May 1, 1982
- Dreams and nightmares in healthy adults and in patients with sleep and neurological disorders. Lancet Neurology October 1, 2020
- Rapid eye movements are reduced in blind individuals. Journal of Sleep Research December 1, 2019
- The sensory construction of dreams and nightmare frequency in congenitally blind and late blind individuals. Sleep Medicine February 18, 2014
and 5 more in the library