Insular Stimulation Produces Mental Clarity and Bliss

Ann Neurol. 2022 Feb;91(2):289-292. doi: 10.1002/ana.26282. Epub 2021 Dec 20.

Abstract

For the first time, an ecstatic aura has been evoked through the electrical stimulation of the dorsal anterior insula during presurgical invasive intracerebral monitoring in a patient who did not suffer from an ecstatic form of epilepsy. This case provides more evidence that the anterior insula is the major generator of such a mystical-type experience even in individuals with no underlying brain network changes related to a preexisting ecstatic epilepsy. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:289-292.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Cortex / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Drug Resistant Epilepsy / diagnostic imaging
  • Drug Resistant Epilepsy / surgery
  • Electric Stimulation*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Euphoria / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mysticism / psychology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome