Phantom limb pain

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Phantom limb pain

Phantom limb pain (pronunciation: /ˈfæntəm lim peɪn/) is a medical condition characterized by persistent and often debilitating pain in a limb that has been amputated.

Etymology

The term "phantom limb pain" originates from the Greek word "phantasma", meaning "illusion" or "apparition", and the Latin word "limbus", meaning "edge" or "border". This term was first used in medical literature by American physician Silas Weir Mitchell in 1871 to describe the sensation that an amputated or missing limb was still attached to the body and is, in some cases, causing pain.

Symptoms

Phantom limb pain is often described as a sensation of burning, itching, or pressure in the area where the limb used to be. The pain can be constant or intermittent, and its intensity can vary from mild to severe. Some people may also experience phantom limb sensations, which are feelings that the amputated limb is still present.

Causes

The exact cause of phantom limb pain is unknown, but it is believed to be due to changes in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system following limb loss. Other factors, such as damage to nerve endings, scar tissue at the site of the amputation, and psychological factors, may also contribute to the development of this condition.

Treatment

Treatment for phantom limb pain can be challenging and may involve a combination of medication, physical therapy, psychotherapy, and other non-pharmacological interventions such as mirror therapy or neurostimulation.

Related Terms

External links

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