It is a condition in which a person who has lost a limb, either through amputation or some other cause, experiences sensations and pain in the missing limb. It is estimated that up to 80% of amputees experience some type of sensation in the phantom limb.
The exact cause is not known, but it is believed that the brain may still receive signals from the missing limb.
Symptoms include tingling, burning, itching, or aching sensations in the missing limb. Some people may feel that the phantom limb is in an awkward position or is moving.
Diagnosis is based on the patient's medical history and evaluation of symptoms.
Treatment includes physical therapy, pain medications and relaxation techniques. In some cases, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) or mirror therapy helps reduce symptoms.
- Flor, H. (2002). Phantom-limb pain: characteristics, causes, and treatment. Lancet Neurology, 1(3), 182–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1474-4422(02)00074-1
- Nikolajsen, L., & Christensen, K. F. (2015). Phantom Limb Pain. En R. S. Tubbs, E. Rizk, M. M. Shoja, M. Loukas, N. Barbaro, & R. J. Spinner (Eds.), Nerves and Nerve Injuries (pp. 23–34). Elsevier.
- Subedi, B., & Grossberg, G. T. (2011). Phantom limb pain: mechanisms and treatment approaches. Pain Research and Treatment, 2011, 864605. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/864605
