Near-death experiences: A neurophysiologic explanatory model

Melvin L. Morse; David Venecia; Jerrold Milstein

doi:10.1007/BF01076138

Journal of Near-Death Studies

September 1989, Volume 8, Issue 1, pp 45–53

Near-death experiences: A neurophysiologic explanatory model

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Melvin L. Morse
David VeneciaJr.
Jerrold Milstein

Article

DOI: 10.1007/BF01076138

Cite this article as:: Morse, M.L., Venecia, D. & Milstein, J. J Near-Death Stud (1989) 8: 45. doi:10.1007/BF01076138

Abstract

Prior hypotheses as to the etiology of near-death experiences (NDEs) have been limited to psychiatric explanations or brief discussions of endorphins as causative agents. We present a neurophysiological explanation for NDEs based on their similarities with lysergic acid-, ketamine-, and hypercapnia-induced hallucinations. We believe the core NDE is genetically imprinted and triggered by serotonergic mechanisms.

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Near-death experiences: A neurophysiologic explanatory model

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