Visualizing out-of-body experience in the brain

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neurology

Background:

• Investigating the neural basis of complex subjective experiences like out-of-body experiences (OBEs) is crucial for understanding consciousness.
• Tinnitus suppression therapy provides a unique opportunity to study brain function through direct neural stimulation.

Observation:

• An out-of-body experience was induced by stimulating the posterior superior temporal gyrus in a patient with implanted electrodes for tinnitus.
• The patient reported a distinct sensation of disembodiment during the stimulation.

Findings:

• Positron-emission tomography (PET) revealed significant brain activation in the right temporoparietal junction, specifically the angular-supramarginal gyrus junction.
• Additional activation was observed in the right precuneus, posterior thalamus, and superior vermis.
• These activated regions are proposed as the neural correlates of the disembodied sensation during an OBE.

Implications:

• This study provides direct evidence linking specific brain regions to the subjective feeling of disembodiment.
• Findings contribute to understanding the neural underpinnings of altered bodily self-perception.
• May inform future research into neurological and psychiatric conditions involving disturbances of body awareness.