EMDR in the Treatment of Chronic Phantom Limb Pain

[Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment for phantom limb pain].

A 68-year-old man, who had had phantom limb pain in his leg and foot for 27 years, was referred for EMDR treatment. This case study shows that after 10 sessions of EMDR the pain intensity had diminished from 10 to 1 (on a scale of 10). Further sessions, consisting mainly of discussions, focused on consolidation of the result, namely on finding a new physical and mental balance and on strengthen...

Phantom-limb pain: characteristics, causes, and treatment.

Phantom-limb pain is a common sequela of amputation, occurring in up to 80% of people who undergo the procedure. It must be differentiated from non-painful phantom phenomena, residual-limb pain, and non-painful residual-limb phenomena. Central changes seem to be a major determinant of phantom-limb pain; however, peripheral and psychological factors may contribute to it. A comprehensive model of...

Phantom Limb Pain: Mechanisms and Treatment Approaches

The vast amount of research over the past decades has significantly added to our knowledge of phantom limb pain. Multiple factors including site of amputation or presence of preamputation pain have been found to have a positive correlation with the development of phantom limb pain. The paradigms of proposed mechanisms have shifted over the past years from the psychogenic theory to peripheral an...

Electrical Stimulation-Based Sensory Feedback in Phantom Limb Pain Treatment Electrical Stimulation-Based Sensory Feedback in Phantom Limb Pain Treatment

Acupuncture treatment of phantom limb pain and phantom limb sensation in amputees.

Three case histories are presented in which amputees with acute or chronic phantom limb pain and phantom limb sensation were treated with Western medical acupuncture, needling the asymptomatic intact limb. Two out of the three cases reported complete relief of their phantom limb pain and phantom limb sensation. Acupuncture was successful in treating phantom phenomena in two of these cases, but ...