A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Josef Parvizi at Stanford University suggests that out-of-body experiences (OBEs) have a scientific basis, specifically linked to a region in the brain. The research, published in the journal Neuron on November 6, 2024, identifies the medial parietal cortex (PMC) as the area responsible for these phenomena, which often occur during near-death situations.
The investigation began when Dr. Parvizi treated an epilepsy patient who frequently reported OBEs. Intrigued, he and his team explored the brain activity associated with these experiences. They hypothesized that the patient's seizures disrupted his 'narrative self,' the mental construct that maintains one's identity and spatial awareness. Their findings revealed that electrical stimulation of the precuneus, within the PMC, could reliably induce sensations of leaving the body.
Dr. Parvizi explained that the PMC defines the 'self' in relation to surrounding space, objects, and people. Stimulation of this area can temporarily disconnect individuals from their physical bodies, making them feel as if they are observing the world from an external perspective. What was once considered mystical now appears to be rooted in the brain's architecture.
Neuroscientist Christophe López from the French National Centre for Scientific Research highlighted the study's implications for understanding how the brain categorizes experiences as personal. He noted that the dissociation caused by PMC activation relates to the inner ear's perception of body movement and position. This neural network may elucidate the feelings of detachment experienced by individuals in extreme conditions or trauma.
Parallel research, such as that by Patrick Purdon at Harvard, shows that certain substances can also activate the precuneus similarly to electrical stimulation. Ketamine, known for its dissociative effects, can induce OBEs, replicating mystical experiences without the near-death context. High doses can lead to sensations of floating and euphoria, as explained by psychedelic expert Enzo Tagliazucchi.
Moreover, during the final stages of life, the human brain might release an endogenous substance called DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine), which produces effects akin to ketamine. This compound, found in some plants and in the brain, is known for its powerful hallucinogenic effects and can elicit near-death experiences characterized by transcendence and a temporary separation of consciousness from the physical body.
The implications of these findings extend beyond mere understanding; they may revolutionize medical practices. Insights into the PMC and precuneus could lead to therapies for those suffering from anxiety and fear of death, providing relief for terminal patients.
The ability to safely recreate sensations of calm and transcendence opens new avenues for treating mental health disorders where identity and environmental connection are disrupted. Dr. Parvizi's research at Stanford redefines our comprehension of consciousness and the self, demonstrating that science can illuminate questions long attributed to the unknown.