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Death and all aspects around its experimentation, such as near-death experiences, have always fascinated scientists. A study published on the site of The New York Academy of Sciences reports a meta-analysis on the subject which estimates that the brain does not stop with death and that all patients who have had a near-death experience say the same thing. .
According to a meta-analysis of studies on near-death experiences, scientists come to a consensus and publish a set of statements and events on the subject. This study is the first to be peer-reviewed.
A subject studied for centuries
“The near-death experience fascinates neurologists” estimates Dr. Wilfrid Casseron, neurologist in Aix-en-Provence. “Is it because of the close link between brain, philosophy… Maybe” says the specialist.
In this meta-analysis, the researchers estimate that the “scientific advances of the 20th and 21st centuries have brought about a major evolution in the understanding of death”. They also underline through this work the resemblance between the different experiences reported by the patients, with “memories that seem universal“.
According to the researchers, the patients each time describe a set of mental memories that do not “not correspond to hallucinations, illusions or experiences induced by psychedelic drugs”.
On the contrary, each time we find the precise unfolding of the situation, with the perception of separation from the body and the feeling of moving towards a destination. Then they tell of having the feeling of feeling “at home” before coming back to life.
Proven scientific evidence
For the authors, the scientific evidence of this brain activity exists. “Studies showing the emergence of gamma activity and electrical spikes, usually a sign of heightened state of consciousness on electroencephalography (EEG), in relation to death, further support the claims of millions of people who have said to have felt lucidity and heightened awareness in relation to death”.
The opinion of Dr Wilfrid Casseron, neurologist
An opinion shared by Dr. Wilfrid Casseron, neurologist: “This work reminds me of a study carried out on rodents in a state of anoxia and monitored by EEG. The scientists were able to isolate a large amplitude wave in the tracings, caused by the depolarization of the rats’ neurons. Similarly, before the rodents returned to consciousness, the tracings showed a second wave, a resuscitation wave”.
Concordant clues but no certainties… “Does this change in cortical activity, which we visualize by these electrical changes in neurons, give this near-death experience, experienced by the rats in this case? It is possible” says the neurologist. The mystery remains intact.