PHANTOM LIMB PAIN

Following amputation, some patients report feeling the limb that is no longer there. This condition is called Phantom sensation. When the phantom sensation is painful, this is termed Phantom Limb pain. This condition is most likely to occur if there was poorly controlled pain prior to the amputation or if the amputation was due to a traumatic event. This phantom limb pain can range from mild to severe and can last for years.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF PHANTOM LIMB PAIN?
Although not fully understood, this condition is thought to be caused by "cortical reorganization". This refers to the brain's adaptation following limb loss. When a limb is amputated, the brain's sensory cortex undergoes changes where areas previously dedicated to processing sensations from the missing limb can become activated by input from adjacent body parts. This neural "rewiring" can lead to sensations that feel like they originate from the amputated limb, resulting in phantom limb pain. The brain essentially misinterprets signals from other parts of the body, expecting input from the missing limb.

Understanding cortical reorganization is crucial for managing phantom limb pain effectively. Treatments may involve techniques aimed at retraining the brain's sensory mapping, such as sensory stimulation or mirror therapy. By addressing the neural changes underlying phantom limb pain, these interventions aim to alleviate discomfort and improve the individual's quality of life following limb loss.