Seen While Observing All Stages of The Dying Human Brain

A recent study suggests that the brains of people who have passed away due to cardiac arrest may still be exhibiting signs of consciousness in their last moments.

The research was conducted on a small group of comatose patients. Results revealed patterns in the brain activity of those who died. Brain waves were also noted. This revelation was intriguing.

Stories of near-death experiences fascinate us. They involve bright white lights, visits from the dead, and hearing voices from beyond. Such tales have become a part of our culture and have captivated our imaginations.

A research report has uncovered an interesting phenomenon: when someone dies from cardiac arrest, their brain may become highly active. EEG monitoring of four individuals who passed away showed increased heart rate and gamma wave activity linked to consciousness. The activity was focused on the brain’s “hot zone” of neural correlates of consciousness located at the back of the head.

Given multiple accounts of near-death experiences, there is a possibility that something fundamental is at its root. Moreover, these accounts offer glimpses into a consciousness that does not vanish entirely, even after death.

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science has published a new research paper. It provides the first evidence of increased brain activity related to consciousness leading up to death.

Lead researcher Jimo Borjigin, Ph.D., is continuing research founded by George Mashour, M.D., Ph.D. a decade ago. Gamma activity was detected in the brains of both humans and animals when they were dying. Also, oxygen levels decreased after their hearts stopped.

Dr. Borjigin’s research has revealed an interesting finding. Brain dysfunction does not always prevent people from having remarkable experiences near the end of life. These experiences can be compelling.

The study involved four patients with cardiac arrest and no medical hope, whose families consented to end life support. Two patients showed increased heart rate and a spike in gamma wave activity, indicating heightened consciousness.

Nusha Mihaylova, M.D., Ph.D., recently led an experienced research team. They detected activity in the junction of the temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes in two patients. These patients had a record of seizures, but none in the hour before they passed.

This brain area has been linked to dreaming, visual hallucinations in epilepsy, and other states of consciousness. The research was partly conducted from EEG data from ICU patients who had died.

The authors collected data from two patients. Unfortunately, both of them did not survive. However, the data showed increased heart rate and brain activity when the patients were taken off life support.

It is impossible to confirm a correlation between brain activity and conscious experience. However, the results suggest a conscious experience may occur during the dying process.

Research projects use EEGs to monitor cardiac arrest survivors at multiple medical centers. This could help us understand if gamma activity spikes indicate the presence of consciousness near death.