Phantom limb

"Phantom limb syndrome" redirects here. Not to be confused with Alien limb syndrome. For other uses, see Phantom limb (disambiguation).
Phantom limb
A cat attempting to use its left foreleg to scoop litter several months after it has been amputated
SpecialtyNeurology

A phantom limb is the sensation that an amputated or missing limb is still attached. It is a chronic condition which is often resistant to treatment.[1] When the cut ends of sensory fibres are stimulated during thigh movements, the patient feels as if the sensation is arising from the non-existent limb. Sometimes the patient might feel pain in the non-existent limb. Approximately 80–100% of individuals with an amputation experience sensations in their amputated limb. However, only a small percentage will experience painful phantom limb sensation (phantom pain). These sensations are relatively common in amputees and usually resolve within two to three years without treatment. Research continues to explore the underlying mechanisms of phantom limb pain (PLP) and effective treatment options.[2]

  1. ^ Sembulingam, K. (11 July 2023). Essentials of medical physiology (9th ed.). K. Sembulingam and prema Sembulingam. p. 717. ISBN 978-93-5696-326-9.
  2. ^ Manchikanti, Laxmaiah; Singh, Vijay; Boswell, Mark V. (2007-01-01), Waldman, Steven D.; Bloch, Joseph I. (eds.), "chapter 28 - Phantom Pain Syndromes", Pain Management, W.B. Saunders, pp. 304–315, doi:10.1016/b978-0-7216-0334-6.50032-7, ISBN 978-0-7216-0334-6, retrieved 2019-12-09