Exaltation in temporal lobe epilepsy: neuropsychiatric symptom or portal to the divine?

Religiosity is a prominent feature of Geschwind syndrome, a behavioral pattern in some temporal lobe epilepsy cases. Since Wilder Penfield induced spiritual feelings by manipulating the temporal lobes in the 1950s, brain imaging has revealed neural correlates of intense emotional states, spurring neurotheology. Psychiatry, neurology, and psychology tend to pathologize deviant religious expression, reinforcing dualism between objective and phenomenal worlds. Considering theological perspectives and cosmic consciousness, the authors urge a holistic approach to spiritual events of epileptic aura, potentially deepening understanding of the mind and its transcendent potential.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Religiosity is a prominent feature of the Geschwind syndrome, a behavioural pattern found in some cases of temporal lobe epilepsy. Since the 1950s, when Wilder Penfield induced spiritual feelings by experimental manipulation of the temporal lobes, development of brain imaging technology has revealed neural correlates of intense emotional states, spurring the growth of neurotheology. In their secular empiricism, psychiatry, neurology and psychology are inclined to pathologise deviant religious expression, thereby reinforcing the dualism of objective and phenomenal worlds. Considering theological perspectives and the idea of cosmic consciousness, the authors urge a holistic approach to the spiritual events of epileptic aura, potentially leading to a deeper understanding of the mind and its transcendent potential.