This page will help you find answers to your questions about phantom limb pain
What is phantom limb pain?
Phantom limb pain refers to a persistent sensation of pain that seems to come from a limb that has been amputated. Some people feel pain in the amputated part even after it is removed. This phenomenon is part of the body’s adjustment to its new condition. Although feeling pain in a limb that no longer exists may seem unrealistic, the pain is in fact real.
After amputation of part of an arm or leg, there is a possibility of feeling pain in the limb that is no longer there. This is known as phantom limb pain. It is more common in the arms and legs, but some people may feel it after the removal of other body parts, such as the breast. Phantom pain is limited only to amputated limbs. There are no specific risk factors that increase the likelihood of phantom limb pain, and any lost organ may have phantom pain, not only limbs, but symptoms are more noticeable in amputated limbs.
For some people, the pain will go away on its own. For others, it can be long-lasting and severe. But you can reduce it if you inform your doctor early ,so you can receive treatment as soon as possible.
Do not worry that your doctor will think you are imagining the pain. It is common among people who have lost a limb. Most people who undergo amputation experience some sensation related to their missing limb within 6 months of surgery.
What causes phantom limb pain?
Phantom limb pain is believed to occur due to mixed signals from the brain or spinal cord.
How is phantom limb pain managed?
When phantom limb pain occurs, treatment includes several approaches, such as:
- Managing psychological and environmental factors that may increase pain.
- Pain relievers.
- Non-pharmacological treatments such as massage or meditation.
- Mirror therapy and nerve stimulation, which involves using a mirror to reflect the intact limb so the person “sees” painless movement of the amputated limb in the mirror.
- Nerve stimulation treatments, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or spinal cord stimulation.
Surgery may be used only if other treatments fail to relieve the pain, with the goal of preventing pain signals in the brain, removing nerve tissue growth in the stump, and stimulating peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, and the brain.
Treatments for phantom limb pain also aim to change signals coming from the brain or spinal cord. As with any other type of pain, you may find that certain activities trigger your phantom limb pain, and these may include:
- Touch
- Urination or bowel movements
- Intercourse
- Smoking
- Exposure to cold
Some triggers can be avoided, such as quitting smoking. For other triggers, you will simply need to understand them and deal with them accordingly. It is important to report these pains as soon as you begin experiencing them so treatment can be initiated.
When should you see a doctor?
It is important to report these pains as soon as you begin experiencing them so treatment can be started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between phantom pain, phantom sensation, residual limb pain, and phantom limb syndrome?
- Phantom pain: Pain felt in the amputated limb despite it no longer being present.
- Phantom sensations: The feeling that the amputated limb is still there, with possible sensations of touch, pressure, itching, temperature, or vibrations.
- Phantom limb syndrome: A combination of phantom pain and phantom sensations in the amputated limb.
- Residual limb pain: Actual pain in the remaining part of the limb after amputation, often due to a medical cause such as inflammation or nerve damage.
What does phantom limb pain feel like?
The sensation of pain varies from one case to another. For example, some may feel:
- A burning sensation
- Pins and needles
- Twisting sensation
- Electric shock sensation
Regardless of the level of pain, the person may also experience other sensations in the missing body part, such as movement, increased temperature, pressure, vibrations, or itching.
