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Phantom limb

**{{{Name|Phantom limb}}}**
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ICD-10	G54.6-G54.7
ICD-O:	{{{ICDO}}}
ICD-9	353.6
OMIM	}}}
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Phantom limb is a phantom sensation in amputatedor missing limbs. A phantom sensation is a feeling that a missing limb is still attached to the bodyand is moving appropriately with other body parts. Approximately 50 to 80% of amputeesexperience these phantom sensations in their amputated limb.

Phantom pains can also occur in people who are born without limbsand people who are paralyzed. Phantom pains occur when the missing limb causes discomfort. Some other sensations include warmth, cold, itching, squeezingand burning. The missing limb often feels shorter and may feel as if it is in a distorted and painful position. Occasionally, the pain can be made worse by stress, anxietyand weatherchanges.

Some treatments include drugssuch as antidepressants. Spinal cordstimulation (SCS) can be a very effective treatment for phantom pain. An electricalstimulator is implanted under the skin, and an electrodeis placed next to the spinal cord. The nervepathways in the spinal cord are stimulated by an electric current. This interferes with the impulses travelling towards the brainand lessens the pain felt in the phantom limb. Instead, amputees feel a tingling sensation in the phantom limb.

Vibrationtherapy, acupuncture, hypnosisand biofeedbackmay all be used to treat phantom pain but are often of little help. The pain can sometimes be helped by keeping busy and occupying your mind. Massaging the stump can sometimes help. The pain can often be prevented by the application of not only a generalbut also a local anaesthesiawhile amputating a limb.

Phantom limb

See also