Mystical experiences associated with seizures
Bruce Greyson, Donna K. Broshek, Lori L. Derr, Nathan B. Fountain
Religion Brain & Behavior April 8, 2014 DOI: 10.1080/2153599x.2014.895775 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAlterations of consciousness are central to diagnosing epilepsy, and some patients report unusual experiences during seizures that might resemble spontaneous mystical states. This study used a validated Mysticism Scale to assess such experiences in 98 epilepsy patients, 86 of whom had EEG recordings. Fifty-five percent recalled some subjective experience during seizures, but none met criteria for a mystical experience. While some features, especially those of introvertive mysticism, were reported, they were not linked to any specific brain lobe or hemisphere. Mysticism Scale scores showed no significant association with demographics, medical history, seizure risk factors, or seizure characteristics.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 98 |
| Population | Patients with epilepsy |
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Keywords | Consciousness Epilepsy Psychiatry Medicine |
| Citations | 45 |
| Key finding | None of the epilepsy patients' seizure-associated experiences met criteria for mystical experience, and reported features were not linked to specific brain regions or seizure characteristics. |
Abstract
Alterations of consciousness are critical factors in the diagnosis of epilepsy and seizure disorders. With this alteration in consciousness, some persons report unusual experiences that have been thought to resemble spontaneous mystical experiences. This study was designed to identify and characterize the mystical experiences associated with seizure activity, through the use of a quantitative instrument with well-documented reliability and validity for assessing the content and quality of mystical states of consciousness. Ninety-eight patients with epilepsy completed a modified version of the Mysticism Scale, of whom 86 had EEGs recorded. Fifty-five per cent of the patients in this study recalled some subjective experience in association with their seizures. However, none of the patients' descriptions met the criteria for mystical experience. Although some features of mystical experience were reported in this study, particularly those suggestive of introvertive mysticism, they were not associated with any particular lobe of the brain nor were they lateralized to either the right or left side. Mysticism Scale scores were not significantly associated with demographics, medical history including seizure risk factors and precipitants, or seizure characteristics including localization and type of seizure.