"Light at the end of a tunnel"

[MinnesotaMike]

In the media I've heard this a few times, referring to something people (supposedly) see immediately before or after they die. They speak of a long dark tunnel, and a light at the end of it that they are drawn to or feel they are moving towards. I was wondering what this phenomenon actually is. I'm not saying the light or tunnel has any significance, but the sense of motion and visualization intrigues me if these are indeed true accounts. So does anyone have any knowledge about what would cause this hallucination?

[Davin]

Likely when the brain is starting back up and the eyes begin to pick up light again and transfer that information through the visual cortex. Pilots testing for extreme G's in the spinning chair experience the same hallucinations.

[Tank]

I have had an odd experience that may be physiologically related. I had to have cataracts removed from my eyes using local anesthetic. On one occasion I retained very blurred vision during the operation. During the second operation all I could see was white, no texture or structure just white. I could not even tell if my eye was open or shut. I asked if this was usual and was told that the anesthetic had made its way around my eye-ball and stopped my optic nerve from working and the brains default condition is to see white, not black, under these circumstances.

[xSilverPhinx]

... and the brains default condition is to see white, not black, under these circumstances.

That's interesting. I didn't know that, used to think that we saw black.

The oxygen-deprived dying brain explanation fits well then I think.

[Tank]

... and the brains default condition is to see white, not black, under these circumstances.

That's interesting. I didn't know that, used to think that we saw black.

The oxygen-deprived dying brain explanation fits well then I think.

Exactly what I thought. It's counter intuitive isn't it!

[xSilverPhinx]

... and the brains default condition is to see white, not black, under these circumstances.

That's interesting. I didn't know that, used to think that we saw black.

The oxygen-deprived dying brain explanation fits well then I think.

Exactly what I thought. It's counter intuitive isn't it!

Like so much

[fester30]

http://www.skepdic.com/nde.html

There is an article here about near death experiences.  The skepdic.com website has a lot of information about paranormal phenomenon like ghosts and psychics, as well as UFOs, ETs, etc.

[MinnesotaMike]

Just thought I'd say: I love this forum. Information ftw 

[xSilverPhinx]

It's one of the best forums I've come across before.

[Sweetdeath]

Thanks for bringing this up, Minnesota Mike, I am really learning a lot!

[JuggernautJon]

I have also heard somewhere that oxygen deprivation causes the brain to hallucinate. I'd guess that seeing the "light" or other manifestations are created to provide solace to a fearful person's dying brain. But thats just a shot in the dark from me. Dr Andrew Newberg studies "neurotheology" and has done extensive research of the brain and its reaction to various situations. I dont know for sure if he's studied the brain just before it expires but he's covered just about everything else. From his website:
"He has been fascinated by the implications of this research for the study of the mind, brain, consciousness, morality, theology, and philosophy. He has also been particularly interested in the relationship between the brain, religion, and health. His research has included brain scans of people in prayer, meditation, rituals, and various trance states. He has also performed surveys of people's spiritual experiences and attitudes. Finally, he has evaluated the relationship between religious and spiritual phenomena and health. This includes a recent study on the effect of meditation on memory.
In his career, he has also actively pursued neuroimaging research projects on the study of aging and dementia, Parkinson's disease, depression, and other neurological and psychiatric disorders. He has also researched the neurophysiological correlates of acupuncture, meditation, and alternative therapies, and how brain function is associated with mystical and religious experiences"

[The Magic Pudding]

There is this related HAF thread "What do you make of Near death experiences/ out of body..."