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Supernumerary phantom limbs in spinal cord injury
A Curt1, C Ngo Yengue, L M Hilti
1Spinal Cord Injury Centre, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Spinal Cord
|November 17, 2010
Summary
Supernumerary phantom limbs, or illusory limb duplication, can occur after spinal cord injury (SCI). These sensations may persist despite pain management and require careful diagnosis to differentiate from other SCI pain syndromes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to complex sensory disturbances.
- Phantom limb phenomena are well-documented but supernumerary phantom limbs are rare, particularly after traumatic SCI.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male with incomplete SCI (C3, central cord syndrome) experienced bilateral supernumerary phantom upper limbs for 7 months post-injury.
- These illusory limbs were occasionally painful when crossed over the trunk and persisted despite pain medication.
Findings:
- The supernumerary phantom limbs gradually resolved with neurological recovery.
- A rubber hand illusion paradigm was used to assess sensory integration during recovery.
Implications:
- Supernumerary phantom limbs in SCI patients are poorly understood and lack specific treatment protocols.
- Distinguishing these from other phantom sensations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management post-SCI.
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