Near Death Experience: psychology or philosophy?
Near-Death experience (NDE) following a severe head injury, critical illness, coma, and suicidal attempt has been reported. Several theories regarding the reasons, of the various components of the experiences, and whether they are just hallucinations or proof of an afterlife will be debated until additional information is released
Patient 1:
A 30 year postgraduate, Hindu, married woman with a 5 month old baby was brought to emergency in Glasgow.
- During this period of unconsciousness she described that she was in a brilliant light in which she floated. She then went to ‘heaven’ where there were a pantheon of Gods with ‘hierarchy’.
- She could recall what had been earlier discussed between doctors about technical matters regarding ventilator, endotracheal tube and tracheostomy.
OBE in which a person experiences the world from outside the physical body may include moving through a tunnel, communication with light, observation of celestial landscape, meeting with deceased persons, life review and presence of border.
In 1980, 5 stages of NDE had been proposed : peace and contentment, detachment from physical body, entering a transitional region of darkness, seeing a brilliant light and entering through the light into another realm of existence.
Conclusion:
Researchers in India have reported near-death experiences in 16 cases in north, and 13 in south with some features appearing culture bound
- Larger research may make it easier to communicate about personal recollections during this important period
- Many patients appear to be permanently changed by an NDE which cannot be ignored