Parnia, S., Waller, D. G., Yeates, R., & Fenwick, P. (2001). A qualitative and quantitative study of the incidence, features and aetiology of near death experiences in cardiac arrest survivors. Resuscitation, 48() 149-156
Abstract: Aim: To carry out a prospective study of cardiac arrest survivors to understand the qualitative features as well as incidence, and possible aetiology of near death experiences (NDEs) in this group of patients. Method: All survivors of cardiac arrests during a 1 year period were interviewed within a week of their arrest, regarding memories of their unconscious period. Reported memories were assessed by the Greyson NDE Scale. The postulated role of physiological, psychological, and transcendental factors were studied. Physiological parameters such as oxygen status were extracted from the medical notes. Patients' religious convictions were documented in the interviews and hidden targets were used to test the transcendental theories on potential out of body claims. Those with memories were compared to those without memories. Results: 11.1% of 63 survivors reported memories. The majority had NDE features. There appeared to be no differences on all physiological measured parameters apart from partial pressure of oxygen during the arrest which was higher in the NDE group. Conclusions: Memories are rare after resuscitation from cardiac arrest. The majority of those that are reported have features of NDE and are pleasant. The occurrence of NDE during cardiac arrest raises questions about the possible relationship between the mind and the brain. Further large-scale studies are needed to understand the aetiology and true significance of NDE.
Copyright: Elsevier 2001.
Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03009572
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Increased Knowledge, Thoughts
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory NOS
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Mental Processes and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Psychopharmacology and NDEs NOS
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Religion and NDEs NOS
Veridical Perception during NDEs