Psychosomatic Medicine 27:286-289 (1965)
© 1965 American Psychosomatic Society

Dream Scintillations

¹ Department of Psychiatry, Medical School and Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.

Subjective episodes which seem to be the same as those termed "dream scintillations" by Forbes were experienced by the author. Except in two instances, these episodes immediately followed rather strenuous exercise; in only one did the emotional forces seem strong enough to play a causative role. The episodes last about 20 minutes and consist of dream-like images which occur in addition to the usual stream of consciousness, do not interfere with it, and are characterized by elusiveness--their content evading apprehension. They appear to be isolated occurrences in middle life in healthy, physically active men. The author has experienced none in over 10 years. The episodes raise questions concerning circulatory and neurophysiological problems and primary processes.