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Volume 11: Number 4: Article 1
Topographic Brain Mapping of UFO Experiencers
Norman S. Don, Kairos Foundation and University of Illinois at Chicago,
1187 Wilmette Ave., #174, Wilmette, IL 60091
Gilda Moura, Kairos Foundation, Caixa Postal 14528, CEP 22412-000,
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A cohort of Brazilian subjects, claiming experiences with UFOs involving
contact or abduction, were selected for topographic brain mapping. One
of the most important selection criteria was the ability to enter into
a self-reported, non-ordinary state of consciousness or trance that
developed spontaneously after their abduction or contact experiences.
Analysis of their EEGs revealed that all subjects entered voluntarily
into an hyperaroused trance. In this state, they maintained a condition
of muscular relaxation and immobility while their EEGs exhibited high
frequency (beta) activity at all 19 electrode sites, but with maximum
activity at the prefrontal and adjacent loci. Inspection of the EEGs
from the prefrontal/frontal sites revealed intermittent trains of rhythmic,
approximately 40 Hz activity, attaining very high amplitudes, at times
exceeding 40 microvolts. This activity was distinct in morphology and
frequency from faster, usually concurrent activity, probably attributable
to scalp muscle discharge (EMG). Analysis of 40 Hz, midline scalp activity,
statistically controlling for the effects of EMG, revealed significantly
more 40 Hz activity in trance than in baseline (p < .006). Also,
the dominant alpha frequency increased during trance (p < .01).
Both EEG findings suggest the occurrence of a state of hyperarousal.
There was no evidence of epileptiform discharges in our data or clinical
indications of possible epilepsy. Also, there was no brain activity
suggestive of psychopathology, particularly schizophrenia, nor were
there clinical indications of psychopathology. The EEG results were
related to the physiological effects of highly focused attention and
recent findings in neuroscience. Also noted were similarities to advanced
meditative states and differences from psychopathology.
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