Surgical Treatment of Intractable Phantom-limb Pain

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...

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...

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...

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