Do you believe in near death experiences?

Question

If you've had one, please describe it?

Answer 1

Forget about "believe," this is the science forum -- the question should be, is there any scientific proof that these are real?

And yes, there is -- there's proof that our brains undergo changes as death approaches (usually from oxygen starvation of the brain), that can produce hallucinations. Neurons fire off in many parts of the brain in an apparent "last gasp" effort to stave off death, probably the brain's way of trying to get the rest of the body to do something to keep it from dying. That many of the reported experiences are the same, no matter what culture or religion the person is from, suggests that it's something our brains do biologically, and isn't based on learning or life experiences.

Answer 2

Any one who has been close to death and has lived to tell the tale has had a near death experience be it good or bad

Are you talking about lights at the end of dark tunnells and looking down on ones body etc. If you are then drugs can have this effect on people whether they are near to death or not

Answer 3

I never had one but did hear a story from my parents about a near death experience my grandfather had. He was a crew member on a ship in a storm and got washed overboard. Miraculously, he got washed back on board by another wave and the crew was able to revive him. He said that he was walking toward a bright light, feeling very good and wanting to go toward the light, but he heard his shipmates calling him in the other direction. For a while he could not decide which way to go, but finally went back toward his friends, whereupon he awoke on the ship.

Answer 4

On the point of dozing off the brain goes haywire and all sorts of visions appear. Similarly, when close to death, the brain hallucinates as there is no external point of reference for it behave in a rational manner. The normal sensory perceptions of taste, sight, touch, smell, sound are not functioning at a normal level. The brain acts as though it is in a complete void and therefore desperately 'invents' pictures and events.

Answer 5

Certainly. People experience nearly dying daily. And many of them are sure to have stories to tell, since this experience is stimulating to some parts of the brain, while depressing others.

Answer 6

I believe that near death experience is reality.
Every second is precious and every moment is important.
Some people do not understand reality much, however
when there is a decision to be made and it will effect your life.
That is reality

Answer 7

Yes, in January I had cancer surgery and while under I dreamed about a situation that had not happened yet. When I was awakened they told me they just about lost me, and almost could not wake me. Two months later the situation I dreamed about happened. DeJa Vue?

Answer 8

I certainly do having broke my neck in a diving accident 23 years ago had i not been pulled out when i did i dont know what would have happend as it was iwas uncontious.

Answer 9

i do believe that your life flashed before your eyes lieka a quick flicker through all your significate memories before it turns dark.

Answer 10

Yes it happened to me. but its too scary to go in to detail..