Wiktionary
pathoclisis
n. The theory that certain specialized parts of the brain are to be the first to be damaged in the case of disease, lack of oxygen, or malnutrition.
Wikipedia
Pathoclisis
Pathoclisis (from -clisis meaning "predisposition" in Ancient Greek) is the theory that certain specialized parts of the brain are the first to be damaged in the case of disease, lack of oxygen, or malnutrition. The selective vulnerability of certain neurons can then lead to the expression of pathology.
Pathoclisis has been postulated to mediate the sensory effects of a near-death experience.