Discrete shifts within the theta band between the frontal and parietal regions of the right hemisphere and the experiences of a sensed presence.
The attribution of personal cognition to another consciousness or sentient being is strongly correlated with altered perfusion within the frontoparietal or frontotemporal regions. The authors applied weak complex magnetic fields that produce an increased incidence of these experiences in healthy volunteers. Quantitative monopolar electroencephalographic (QEEG) measurements for each of the four lobes of the two hemispheres found that intensity of the sensed presence was significantly correlated with increased power within only the theta range over the right parietal and frontal lobes. Successive 1 Hz incremental analyses indicated specific power increases for 4 Hz-5 Hz and 7 Hz-8 Hz bands over the right parietal and frontal lobes, respectively. These results are consistent with those of other measures for both schizophrenia patients and healthy volunteers; changes in activity within these regions are associated with attribution of one's thoughts and actions to another.
Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6.
John Nicholas
JN
Booth
Michael A
MA
Persinger
D000328:Adult; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000502:physiology*; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013826:Theta Rhythm; D055815:Young Adult