We all have heard of, or perhaps experienced, incidents where we faced danger or rapidly declining health. These situations were likely described as near-death experiences (NDEs), but, from a scientific point of view, they probably weren't.
Scientists use specific parameters to determine which incidents they study as NDEs and use veridical data to determine the veracity of these accounts. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of NDEs from a scientific perspective, exploring what they can tell us about the human soul and the afterlife.
What Is a Near-Death Experience?
A near-death experience occurs when someone has limited brain function, yet is able to have a sensory experience without full use of their physical senses. But scientifically speaking, what is considered a near-death experience? According to the strict science of near-death experiences, a person must have a flat EEG (electroencephalogram) indicating an absence of electrical activity in the cerebral cortex (generating higher cerebral functioning), the absence of gag reflex, and fixed and dilated pupils, indicating a significant reduction of lower brain functioning.
In this state, sensory organs are non-functional, both in themselves and in the brain's capacity to process their signals. Furthermore, higher cerebral functions such as thinking, processing memories, and linguistic functions are either completely absent or reduced to insignificant. Lower brain activity is also minimized, though there may be some sporadic and minimal “sputtering” of pockets of deep cortical neurons in those areas.
NDE: An Experience Without the Senses
Despite the inability to process sensory information (see above), patients describe events, feelings, and sensations. It is these experiences that we categorize as "near-death experiences." Since near-death experiences often happen in hospital settings with professional medical oversight, thousands of NDEs have been sufficiently well-documented for scientific study. This documentation often includes relevant information that can be verified by those present.
The scientific study of NDEs has revealed several patterns, including common themes in reported experiences. The vast majority of NDEs share common features such as a feeling of leaving one's body, moving through a tunnel, encountering a bright light, and being met by deceased loved ones or spiritual beings. Additionally, many people describe experiencing a life review or gaining insights into the meaning and purpose of life.
Comments