Phantom Limb Pain

Phantom limb pain is a complex pain syndrome that defines a burning, aching, tingling pain felt in an amputated limb.

Painful sensation in the amputated limb may lessen over time but some patients could continue to suffer from long-term pain.

Many amputees have phantom limb pain that is not described as painful.

Phantom pain should be identified after other causes of stump pain have been excluded. These other causes include:

Ischemia
Infection
Pressure-related wounds

Phantom pain most commonly occurs in the distal part of the amputated limb and has a higher occurrence in limbs connected with the cortex of the brain.

Treatments

Tricyclic antidepressants
Sodium channel blockers
Anticonvulsant medication
Desensitization physical therapy
Prosthetics
Mirror therapy
Injection therapy
Spinal cord stimulation