Phantom limb: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Phantom limb | |||
| image = [[File:Cat_with_phantom_forelimb.webmhd.webm]] | |||
| caption = A cat exhibiting phantom limb behavior | |||
| field = [[Neurology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Pain]], [[tingling]], [[itching]], [[burning sensation]] | |||
| onset = Immediately after [[amputation]] | |||
| duration = Can be [[chronic]] | |||
| causes = [[Amputation]] of a limb | |||
| risks = [[Amputation]], [[nerve damage]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]] | |||
| differential = [[Stump pain]], [[neuropathic pain]] | |||
| treatment = [[Mirror therapy]], [[medication]], [[physical therapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Antidepressants]], [[anticonvulsants]], [[opioids]] | |||
| frequency = Common in amputees | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Ramachandran-mirrorbox.svg|Phantom limb|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Phantom limb''' is a phenomenon where individuals who have had a limb amputated, or were born without a limb, continue to feel sensations as if the limb is still present. These sensations can include pain, which is referred to as [[phantom limb pain]]. | '''Phantom limb''' is a phenomenon where individuals who have had a limb amputated, or were born without a limb, continue to feel sensations as if the limb is still present. These sensations can include pain, which is referred to as [[phantom limb pain]]. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The exact cause of phantom limb is not known, but it is believed to be due to changes in the brain and spinal cord after amputation. The brain continues to receive signals from the nerves that originally carried impulses from the missing limb, leading to the sensation that the limb is still present. | The exact cause of phantom limb is not known, but it is believed to be due to changes in the brain and spinal cord after amputation. The brain continues to receive signals from the nerves that originally carried impulses from the missing limb, leading to the sensation that the limb is still present. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms of phantom limb can include sensations of: | Symptoms of phantom limb can include sensations of: | ||
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* Tingling, cramping, or heat in the missing limb | * Tingling, cramping, or heat in the missing limb | ||
* The missing limb being in an uncomfortable position | * The missing limb being in an uncomfortable position | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for phantom limb can include: | Treatment for phantom limb can include: | ||
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* [[Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation]] (TENS) | * [[Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation]] (TENS) | ||
* [[Mirror box]] therapy | * [[Mirror box]] therapy | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Body integrity identity disorder]] | * [[Body integrity identity disorder]] | ||
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* [[Prosthesis]] | * [[Prosthesis]] | ||
* [[Referred pain]] | * [[Referred pain]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/phantom-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20376272 Mayo Clinic - Phantom Pain] | * [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/phantom-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20376272 Mayo Clinic - Phantom Pain] | ||
* [https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/phantom-limb-pain#1 WebMD - Phantom Limb Pain] | * [https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/phantom-limb-pain#1 WebMD - Phantom Limb Pain] | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Pain]] | [[Category:Pain]] | ||
[[Category:Amputee]] | [[Category:Amputee]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:23, 9 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Phantom limb | |
|---|---|
| File:Cat with phantom forelimb.webmhd.webm | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain, tingling, itching, burning sensation |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Immediately after amputation |
| Duration | Can be chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Amputation of a limb |
| Risks | Amputation, nerve damage |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis |
| Differential diagnosis | Stump pain, neuropathic pain |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Mirror therapy, medication, physical therapy |
| Medication | Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in amputees |
| Deaths | N/A |
Phantom limb is a phenomenon where individuals who have had a limb amputated, or were born without a limb, continue to feel sensations as if the limb is still present. These sensations can include pain, which is referred to as phantom limb pain.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of phantom limb is not known, but it is believed to be due to changes in the brain and spinal cord after amputation. The brain continues to receive signals from the nerves that originally carried impulses from the missing limb, leading to the sensation that the limb is still present.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of phantom limb can include sensations of:
- The limb still being present
- Pain in the missing limb
- Tingling, cramping, or heat in the missing limb
- The missing limb being in an uncomfortable position
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for phantom limb can include:
- Medications such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and narcotics
- Nerve blocks
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Mirror box therapy
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
