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phantom limb; pseudomelia
Sensation from an extremity (generally leg) that has been amputated.
Complications:
- neuropathic pain*
* choose central neuropathic pain (UpToDate)
* refs [2,3] say role of central & peripheral nervous systems still debated
- cite role of the dorsal root ganglion within the peripheral nervous system
Management:
- treat pain in phantom limb as neuropathic pain
- nerve block in addition to general anesthesia during the amputation diminishes sensation from the phantom limb
- mirror therapy, motor imaginary, & virtual visual feedback (interventions treating central pain) may reduce phantom limb pain [4]
- but limited scientific evidence supporting effectiveness [4]
Related
alien limb
General
peripheral nerve disease; peripheral neuropathy
References
- Casale R, Alaa L, Mallick M, Ring H.
Phantom limb related phenomena and their rehabilitation after
lower limb amputation.
Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2009 Dec;45(4):559-66.
PMID: 20032915
- Collins KL, Russell HG, Schumacher PJ et al
A review of current theories and treatments for phantom limb pain
J Clin Invest. 2018 Jun 1;128(6):2168-2176. .
PMID: 29856366 PMCID: PMC5983333 Free PMC article. Review.
- Kaur A, Guan Y
Phantom limb pain: A literature review
Chin J Traumatol. 2018 Dec; 21(6): 366-368
PMID: 30583983 PMCID: PMC6354174 Free PMC article
- Herrador Colmenero L, Perez Marmol JM, Marti-Garcia C
Effectiveness of mirror therapy, motor imagery, and virtual feedback
on phantom limb pain following amputation: A systematic review.
Prosthet Orthot Int. 2018 Jun;42(3):288-298
PMID: 29153043