Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026
08:27
Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
Published on: October 29, 2014
11.6K
Full Neurological Recovery From Escherichia coli Meningitis Associated With Near-Death Experience
Surbhi Khanna1, Lauren E Moore2, Bruce Greyson3
1Medical University of South Carolina, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, Charleston, SC.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|August 21, 2018
Summary
A man with Escherichia coli meningitis recovered fully despite severe symptoms and reported a vivid near-death experience. This case suggests studying such experiences may enhance understanding of brain function and consciousness during critical illness.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Psychology
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis, particularly from Escherichia coli, poses significant risks for neurological complications and mortality.
- Altered mental status and reduced Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores indicate moderate to severe brain injury.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old man presented with confusion and agitation (GCS 11), diagnosed with Escherichia coli meningitis.
- Despite fluctuating consciousness (GCS 6-11) and standard antibiotic treatment, the patient experienced a near-death experience during his coma.
- The patient achieved a complete neurological recovery without any lasting deficits.
Findings:
- Complete recovery from severe Escherichia coli meningitis is possible, challenging typical prognoses.
- The occurrence of a detailed near-death experience during a medically induced coma warrants further investigation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for profound subjective experiences during states of compromised brain function.
- Further research into near-death experiences in patients with critical neurological conditions could offer novel insights into consciousness and brain plasticity.
- Understanding these experiences may inform patient care and psychological support during recovery from severe illness.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
4.1K
The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
4.1K
01:12What is an Experiment?
18.9K
An experiment is a planned activity carried out under controlled conditions. The purpose of an experiment is to investigate the relationship between two variables. When one variable causes change in another, we call the first variable the explanatory or independent variable. The affected variable is called the response or dependent variable. In a randomized experiment, the researcher manipulates values of the explanatory variable and measures the resulting changes in the response variable. The...
18.9K
01:18Autophagic Cell Death
4.6K
Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
4.6K
01:30Overview of Cell Death
10.2K
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
10.2K
01:27Chemotaxis in E. coli
875
Chemotaxis in Escherichia coli is a sensory-driven motility mechanism that enables bacteria to navigate chemical gradients, moving toward beneficial environments while avoiding harmful conditions. This process relies on a signal transduction system integrating external chemical cues with flagellar motor control.Chemoreceptors and Signal DetectionE. coli detects chemical gradients through methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs), which are membrane-bound chemoreceptors that sense attractants...
875
01:19Thomson's e/m Experiment
6.9K
In a beam of charged particles created by a heated cathode, the particles move at different speeds. However, many applications need a beam with uniform particle speeds. An arrangement known as a velocity selector uses electric and magnetic fields to pick particles with a particular speed from the beam.
A particle with charge q, speed v, and mass m enters an area from the top, where the magnetic and electric fields are perpendicular both to the particle's motion and to one another. The magnetic...
A particle with charge q, speed v, and mass m enters an area from the top, where the magnetic and electric fields are perpendicular both to the particle's motion and to one another. The magnetic...
6.9K