Research Notes on Phantom Pain
Phantom pain is the sensation of pain in a part of the body that is no longer there. At one time, doctors believed this was a psychological problem. It is now understood that this pain has a physical cause.1 For months, possibly years, the brain continues to get messages from the nerves that carried feeling to the missing limb.2
Fast Facts:
- Common in amputees.1
- Occurs more often in those who were experiencing pain before amputation surgery.1
- Other possible phantom sensations such as cold, warmth or itchiness may be felt as well.1
Top Resources on Phantom Pain
- Mayo Clinic: Phantom Pain
- ScienceDaily: Phantom Limb Pain May Be Reduced By Simple Mirror Treatment (Nov. 24, 2007)
- WiseGeek: What Causes Phantom Pain?
- MedicineNet: Phantom Limb Syndrome Definition
- Amputee Coalition of America: Phantom Pain - An Update (Feb., 2002)
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Research Notes References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Mayo Clinic: Phantom Pain
- ↑ MedicineNet: Phantom Limb Syndrome Definition
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About this WisdomCard
- Contributor: Catherine Kowalski
- Reviewer: Tara
- Supervised by: The OrganizedWisdom Physician Review Team
- Last update: Oct. 17, 2008
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