A new neuroscientific model to explain near-death experiences (NDEs)
In an article recently published in Nature Reviews Neurology, a team of researchers from the Coma Science Group (University of Liège), led by Charlotte Martial and Nicolas Lejeune, propose a new neuroscientific model of near-death experiences (NDEs). For the first time in the field, this article integrates data from various neuroscience disciplines and an in-depth analysis of the different mechanisms at work, offering a solid explanation for the occurrence of these fascinating phenomena in critical contexts, such as cardiac arrest.
NDEs are characterized by intense and often mystical perceptions, such as the sensation of leaving one's body, the vision of intense light or a profound sense of peace. Although these experiences have been studied for some forty years, empirical literature has only emerged significantly in recent years, and the exact origin of NDEs remains poorly understood. The study led by members of the Coma Science Group, in collaboration with international researchers, proposes a unified model entitled “NEPTUNE” (Neurophysiological Evolutionary Psychological Theory Understanding Near-death Experience), which combines psychological and neurophysiological processes to explain the emergence of IMEs, all viewed through an evolutionary perspective.
An integrative model based on neuroscientific evidence
“Thanks to recent advances in neuroscience, we now have sufficient data to propose a coherent framework explaining NDEs. We have analyzed empirical data from various fields of neuroscience, including animal studies, research on psychedelic-induced mystical experiences in humans, as well as work on the brain on the brink of death, to establish links with the NDE phenomenon,” explains Charlotte Martial, first author of the study. Nicolas Lejeune, the publication's last author, adds: “In parallel, we examined the main cerebral neurotransmitter systems to understand how their reactions in response to an acute physiological crisis, such as a sudden loss of cerebral blood flow and oxygen, could contribute to the emergence of certain NDE characteristics. On this basis, we propose a new integrative model of NDEs, suggesting that a cascade of physiological and psychological reactions, triggered during an acute physiological crisis, could explain their intense and immersive nature.” The researchers have thus brought together and extended the various existing theories to create a comprehensive and coherent explanation of NDEs, in the light of the available empirical data. In particular, they identified brain neurotransmitter systems that could play a key role in certain specific dimensions of NDEs, such as the involvement of the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in visual content, or the glutamatergic, cholinergic and noradrenergic systems in the process of memory encoding of the experience.
Towards a better understanding of human consciousness
This new approach to NDEs is part of a wider debate on the nature of consciousness and its manifestations in extreme conditions. “NDEs represent a fascinating field of study for better understanding the boundary between consciousness and unconsciousness, as well as the brain mechanisms underlying these intense subjective experiences occurring in situations of extreme severity. Our research could shed new light on these phenomena and our understanding of critical states,” explains Pauline Fritz, co-first author.
The researchers hope that this model will serve as a basis for future empirical investigations, and contribute to better care for patients who have undergone an NDE, who often report a profound psychological impact after the experience.
This work was made possible with the support of the University and University Hospital of Liège, the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique (FRS-FNRS) and the BIAL Foundation.
Reference
Martial, C., Fritz, P., Gosseries, O. et al.
A neuroscientific model of near-death experiences.
Nat Rev Neurol (2025).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-025-01072-z
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