Phantom Limb

Phantom limb pain.

Phantom pain is experienced by 60% to 80% of patients following limb amputation but is only severe in about 5% to 10% of cases. The mechanisms underlying pain in amputees are not fully understood, but factors in both the peripheral and central nervous system play a role. Treatment of phantom pain is not successful; a recent study on prevention of phantom pain showed negative results. The future...

The Phantom Limb

24 Phantom Limb Pain

OVERVIEW Phantom limb pain can be a devastating consequence of an amputation. It is often a chronic, disabling condition. This chapter reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of phantom limb pain and discusses known risk factors for this condition. Even though many physicians have been frustrated by the inability to control phantom limb pain, promising new therapies are...

The phantom limb.

Phantom limb syndrome: a review.

Phantom limb syndrome is a condition in which patients experience sensations, whether painful or otherwise, in a limb that does not exist. It has been reported to occur in 80-100% of amputees, and typically has a chronic course, often resistant to treatment. Risk factors include the presence of preoperative pain, traumatic amputation, and the type of anesthetic procedure used during amputation....