Related Experiment Videos
Phantom sensation, phantom pain, and stump pain
1Pain Rehabilitation Consultants, Inc., Colorado Springs, CO.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Phantom pain and sensation in missing limbs are now understood to have physiological origins, likely in the dorsal horn neurons and brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Management
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Historically, phantom limb sensations and pain were attributed to psychological factors.
- Previous physiological explanations for phantom phenomena were inadequate.
- This review traces the evolution of understanding from psychic to physiological origins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical understanding of phantom sensation, phantom pain, and stump pain.
- To present current physiological explanations for these conditions.
- To discuss the differential diagnosis and treatment of stump pain and phantom pain.
Main Methods:
- Historical literature review of phantom limb phenomena.
- Synthesis of current neurophysiological theories regarding phantom pain and sensation.
- Review of diagnostic and treatment strategies for stump pain.
Main Results:
- Phantom pain is now believed to originate in the dorsal horn's pain-transmitting neurons.
- Phantom sensation is hypothesized to be a sensory engram or part of the neuromatrix.
- Current treatments for phantom pain and stump pain are integrated into comprehensive rehabilitation.
Conclusions:
- Current theories align with modern brain function concepts.
- No definitive treatment exists for phantom sensation.
- Effective management of phantom pain and stump pain requires a holistic rehabilitation approach.