Near Death Experience (NDE)

Near Death Experience or NDE is a set of sensations described by certain people who may have been resuscitated after an advanced coma or clinical death.

These often harrowing accounts describe altered states of consciousness occurring during critical situations, such as cardiac arrest or a deep coma.

But what does science tell us about these phenomena? Are they evidence of consciousness independent of the brain or the result of neurobiological mechanisms?

This article provides a summary of current research, significant testimonies, and ongoing debates. Polytechnique Insights

What is a near-death experience?

An NDE is an altered state of consciousness that generally occurs during a life-threatening situation.

People who have experienced an NDE report sensations such as leaving their body, going through a tunnel, seeing a bright light, or encountering entities.

These experiences can occur in various contexts: coma, anesthesia, fainting, or even during orgasm. Polytechnique Insights

Scientific Research on NDEs

Clinical and Neurological Studies

The pioneering study by Dutch cardiologist Pim van Lommel, published in 2001, analyzed 344 patients resuscitated after cardiac arrest.

Of these, 18% reported an NDE, with detailed memories despite no brain activity during the cardiac arrest. Wikipedia

Recent research has highlighted intense brain activity shortly after clinical death.

For example, one study observed brain waves similar to those of dreaming or memory in the 30 seconds before and after death in a patient. The Sun News.com

Neurobiological hypotheses

Several theories attempt to explain NDEs. Univers Pharmacie

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Intrusion: One study found that 47% of people who had experienced a near-death experience experienced REM sleep intrusions, compared to 14% of those who had not. Scientific American

"Neptune Model: Proposed by researchers at the University of Liège, this model suggests that near-death experiences result from a synergy between a spike in brain electrical activity and the release of certain hormones. Polytechnique Insights

Effect of Psychedelics: A study from Imperial College London showed that the use of DMT, a powerful psychedelic, induces experiences similar to NDEs, suggesting a link between these experiences and brain activity. WIRED

Significant Testimonies

The case of Pamela Reynolds is one of the most documented. In 1991, during surgery that resulted in complete brain shutdown, she reported precise perceptions of the procedure, confirmed by medical staff. Wikipedia

Many testimonials are also available on platforms such as YouTube.

For example, the channel "The Other Side NDE" collects accounts from people who have experienced NDEs. YouTube

Debates and Perspectives

The central question remains: are NDEs evidence of brain-independent consciousness or the result of neurobiological processes? Some researchers, such as Dr. Bruce Greyson of the University of Virginia, consider NDEs to be intense and often transformative experiences, occurring under extreme physiological conditions. Futura

Others, such as anesthesiologist Gerald Woerlee, believe these experiences can be explained by phenomena such as consciousness under anesthesia. Wikipedia

The Mystical Dimensions of NDEs

A Union with the Divine

Many NDE accounts describe a feeling of oneness with a divine presence or a benevolent light. This experience of union recalls descriptions of Christian mysticism, where the soul seeks to unite with God in a spiritual ecstasy. According to the website JePense.org, mysticism is "the state of one who has succeeded in rising above reality to unite directly with God." books.openedition.org

Significant Testimonies

David Ditchfield: After a train accident, David experienced a near-death experience where he felt an angelic presence and an intense light.

He describes this experience as an encounter with the source of all creation, an immense white light filled with love. bbc.com

Parallels with Mystical Traditions

The experiences reported during NDEs bear similarities to mystical accounts from various religious traditions.

For example, the Indian mystic Shri Ram Lal Ji Siyag describes an inner illumination accompanied by an intense white light and a feeling of oneness with the universe. Wikipedia

Theological and Spiritual Perspectives

Christian mysticism, particularly through the writings of Teresa of Avila, describes a spiritual journey toward union with God, marked by stages of purification, illumination, and union.

These stages can be compared to the phases described in NDEs, where the individual undergoes profound experiences of spiritual transformation. Aleteia.org

Furthermore, "The Cloud of Unknowing," a 14th-century Christian mystical text, emphasizes the idea that God is beyond human comprehension and that union with Him requires the abandonment of all conceptual knowledge.

This notion resonates with descriptions of NDEs, where individuals report an intuitive and direct knowledge of the divine, beyond words and concepts.Wikipedia