The treatment of phantom limb pain using immersive virtual reality: three case studies.

PURPOSE This paper describes the design and implementation of a case study based investigation using immersive virtual reality as a treatment for phantom limb pain. METHOD Three participants who experienced phantom limb pain (two with an upper-limb amputation, and one with a lower-limb amputation) took part in between 2 and 5 immersive virtual reality (IVR) sessions over a 3-week period. The movements of participants' anatomical limbs were transposed into the movements of a virtual limb, presented in the phenomenal space of their phantom limb. RESULTS Preliminary qualitative findings are reported here to assess proof of principle for this IVR equipment. All participants reported the transferal of sensations into the muscles and joints of the phantom limb, and all participants reported a decrease in phantom pain during at least one of the sessions. CONCLUSION The authors suggest the need for further research using control trials.