Mystical experiences associated with seizures

Alterations of consciousness are critical factors in the diagnosis of epilepsy and seizure disorders. With this alteration in consciousness, some persons report unusual experiences that have been thought to resemble spontaneous mystical experiences. This study was designed to identify and characteri...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Greyson, Bruce (Author) ; Broshek, Donna K. (Author) ; Derr, Lori L. (Author) ; Fountain, Nathan B. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Routledge 2015
In: Religion, brain & behavior
Year: 2015, Volume: 5, Issue: 3, Pages: 182-196
Further subjects:B Epilepsy
B ecstatic seizures
B seizures
B altered consciousness
B Mystical Experience
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:Alterations of consciousness are critical factors in the diagnosis of epilepsy and seizure disorders. With this alteration in consciousness, some persons report unusual experiences that have been thought to resemble spontaneous mystical experiences. This study was designed to identify and characterize the mystical experiences associated with seizure activity, through the use of a quantitative instrument with well-documented reliability and validity for assessing the content and quality of mystical states of consciousness. Ninety-eight patients with epilepsy completed a modified version of the Mysticism Scale, of whom 86 had EEGs recorded. Fifty-five per cent of the patients in this study recalled some subjective experience in association with their seizures. However, none of the patients' descriptions met the criteria for mystical experience. Although some features of mystical experience were reported in this study, particularly those suggestive of introvertive mysticism, they were not associated with any particular lobe of the brain nor were they lateralized to either the right or left side. Mysticism Scale scores were not significantly associated with demographics, medical history including seizure risk factors and precipitants, or seizure characteristics including localization and type of seizure.
ISSN:2153-5981
Contains:Enthalten in: Religion, brain & behavior
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/2153599X.2014.895775