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Journal of Near-Death Studies

, Volume 8, Issue 1, pp 45–53 | Cite as

Near-death experiences: A neurophysiologic explanatory model

  • Melvin L. Morse
  • David VeneciaJr.
  • Jerrold Milstein
Article

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.

Keywords

Ketamine Causative Agent Explanatory Model Lysergic Acid Prior Hypothesis 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Human Sciences Press 1989

Authors and Affiliations

  • Melvin L. Morse
    • 1
    • 2
  • David VeneciaJr.
    • 1
    • 2
  • Jerrold Milstein
    • 1
    • 2
  1. 1.Department of Pediatrics at the University of WashingtonSeattle
  2. 2.Children's Orthopedic Hospital and Medical CenterSeattle

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