Out-of-body experiences: from Penfield to present
Trends in Cognitive Sciences March 1, 2003 DOI: 10.1016/s1364-6613(03)00027-5 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractElectrical stimulation of the angular gyrus can trigger out-of-body experiences, as reported in a patient studied by Blanke and colleagues in 2002. This finding aligns with earlier observations by Wilder Penfield. Such cases offer insights into the neural basis of conscious experience.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A patient undergoing electrical stimulation of the angular gyrus |
| Intervention | electrical stimulation |
| Keywords | Angular gyrus Stimulation Neuroscience Cognitive psychology Cognitive science |
| Citations | 73 |
| Key finding | Electrical stimulation of the angular gyrus can produce out-of-body experiences. |
Abstract
Can the brain, when stimulated, yield entirely novel experiences? Blanke et al. (2002) describe a patient who reported spontaneous out-of-body experiences during electrical stimulation of her angular gyrus. These findings, although apparently extraordinary, agree with much earlier reports from a patient tested by Wilder Penfield. Such studies can provide clues about the nature of conscious experience.