The Science of Consciousness in Near-Death Experiences.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science journal suggests that a sudden increase in brain activity at the moment of cardiac arrest may be what causes people to see a bright white light while experiencing near-death experiences. The study examined the brain activity of four dying patients and found that cardiac arrest or acute asphyxia led to high levels of gamma activities in the brain among both humans and animals. Gamma power in the brain is an indicator of consciousness and tends to be associated with intense focus, problem-solving, and other brain activity that requires mind power.