Visualizing Out-of-Body Experience in the Brain

An out-of-body experience was repeatedly triggered by stimulating the posterior part of the right superior temporal gyrus in a patient with implanted electrodes for tinnitus. Brain scans showed activation at the right temporoparietal junction, specifically at the angular-supramarginal gyrus junction and the superior temporal gyrus-sulcus, as well as the right precuneus and posterior thalamus extending into the superior vermis. The authors suggest that activation in these regions is the neural basis for the feeling of disembodiment during an out-of-body experience.

Study at a glance

Abstract

An out-of-body experience was repeatedly elicited during stimulation of the posterior part of the superior temporal gyrus on the right side in a patient in whom electrodes had been implanted to suppress tinnitus. Positron-emission tomographic scanning showed brain activation at the temporoparietal junction--more specifically, at the angular-supramarginal gyrus junction and the superior temporal gyrus-sulcus on the right side. Activation was also noted at the right precuneus and posterior thalamus, extending into the superior vermis. We suggest that activation of these regions is the neural correlate of the disembodiment that is part of the out-of-body experience.