Returning from Oblivion: Imaging the Neural Core of Consciousness

In the discussion of their article on near death experiences (NDE) van Lommel et al (2001) write that ".. with lack of evidence for any other theories for NDE, the thus far assumed, but never proven, concept that consciousness and memories are localized in the brain should be discussed. How could a clear consciousness outside one's body be experienced at the moment that the brain no longer functions during a period of clinical death with flat EEG?"

The excellent study by Langsjo and others provides a physiological. explanation. Flat cortical EEG does not indicate loss of brain function. This supports my comment (Bardy 2002) to the article by van Lommel et al. (2001). There is no need to assume that consciousness is not localised in the brain. Spiritual and parapsychological explanations are unnecessary.

References

van Lommel P, van Wees R, Meyers V, Elfferich I (2001) Near-death experience in survivors of cardiac arrest: a prospective study in the Netherlands. Lancet 358: 2039-2045.

Bardy AH (2002) Near death experiences. Lancet 359: 2116.

Conflict of Interest:

None