Phantom limb

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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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

File:Ramachandran-mirrorbox.svg

Phantom limb

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

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 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

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

• Body integrity identity disorder
• Neuropathic pain
• Prosthesis
• Referred pain

References

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External links

• Mayo Clinic - Phantom Pain
• WebMD - Phantom Limb Pain

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