The spooky phenomenon 'third man syndrome' that occurs during near death experiences explained

A spooky phenomenon has been the topic of discussion online recently following a recent episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Social media went into chaos over the storyline centred around this phenomenon, with many not even hearing of it before.

The episode aired on 21 March this year, and primarily followed an assault in the street on someone called Javier, after he sensed someone beside him during the attack.

The crime show explored the phenomenon. (Ralph Bavaro/NBC via Getty Images)

In the episode, the NYPD couldn't find this mysterious other person, when protagonist Olivia Benson suggested: "Well, he may not exist, because the woman who saw the whole attack said that Javier was alone."

Detective Terry Bruno then explained: "It could be a case of the Third Man Syndrome, it's a weird hiccup in the human brain when it's trying to comfort itself in survival situations, not too different than a guardian angel."

So what exactly is Third Man Syndrome?

Those undertaking dangerous activities are more likely to experience it. (Getty Stock Photo)

Usually occurring in times of extreme distress and crisis, people all around the world have reported that a stranger appears in these times and provides support, comfort, or even guides them to safety in dangerous situations.

But after this occurs, they realise that no-one else was there, and it was actually someone/something else, hence the 'Third Man'.

The main people that claim to experience this phenomenon, believe it or not, are those going through high risk events in their lives - whether this be polar explorers, mountaineers, divers, astronauts, terrorist attack survivors or even prisoners of war.

Following their traumatic events, a lot seem to recall that they felt the presence of someone offering protection and hope.

The most famous story of this is with Polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who experienced this phenomenon with his crew during their Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-16.

The three faced certain death, but Shackleton claims that an unseen force had joined them and guided them on foot to cross the extreme ranges and glaciers of South Georgia to reach safety.

Despite not saying what he felt to his crew at the time, they later admitted that they felt the same thing.

Some believe it has to do with God and religion, but there has since been an experiment carried out by Swiss scientists where they evoked a similar presence in an epileptic woman, using electricity to stimulate that part of her brain.

Every time they stimulated that part, she turned her head to the side, feeling like someone was there, but as soon as the current was switched off, she looked back in front.

People may not be electrically stimulated, but scientists think that under extreme levels of physical stress, we have access to this 'switch', where we can sense something almost inexplicable, that will help us get through.

Scientists found that shocking a certain section of the brain caused the woman to sense someone standing next to her. (Getty Stock Photo)

Mountaineer Reinhold Messner spoke on the subject, saying: "I think it is quite natural. I think all human beings would have similar feelings if they exposed themselves to such precarious situations."

Whether it be something made by the human brain to comfort you in times of need, or a guide sent from above, those who have experienced it insist it is real.

Some, however, believe it is a form of hallucination. Either-way, it feels very real for those who claim to have experienced it.