What are the four main theories for phantom limb pain?

Weir Mitchells phantom limbs. They are the Central or Gate theory, the Peripheral theory, and the Psychologic theory.

What type of pain is phantom limb pain?

Phantom limb pain is considered a neuropathic pain, and most treatment recommendations are based on recommendations for neuropathic pain syndromes.

How do you explain phantom limb pain?

Phantom limb pain (PLP) refers to ongoing painful sensations that seem to be coming from the part of the limb that is no longer there. The limb is gone, but the pain is real. The onset of this pain most often occurs soon after surgery.

What is the cause of phantom limb pain?

Experts believe phantom pain results from a mix-up in nervous system signals, specifically between the spinal cord and brain. When a body part is amputated, the nerve connections from the periphery to the brain remain in place.

What is a ghost limb?

Phantom limb syndrome is a condition in which patients experience sensations, whether painful or otherwise, in a limb that does not exist. It has been reported to occur in 80-100% of amputees, and typically has a chronic course, often resistant to treatment.

How many pain theories are there?

The four most influential theories of pain perception include the Specificity (or Labeled Line), Intensity, Pattern, and Gate Control Theories of Pain (Fig. 1). The Specificity Theory refers to the presence of dedicated pathways for each somatosensory modality.

Does magnesium help with phantom pain?

Studies have shown that NMDA receptor antagonists, a class of anesthetics, work to block pain signals from nerves and may relieve phantom limb pain. Natural supplements like juniper berry, grape seed extract, vitamin E, vitamin A, B12, potassium, calcium and magnesium are helpful for some amputees.

What does phantom pain feel like?

It may feel like a quick zing or flash up your limb. Or it may feel more like burning, twisting, cramping, or aching. When this happens, it’s called phantom pain. Persistent phantom pain is far less likely to happen than phantom sensation.

What is phantom pain called?

This is known as phantom limb pain. It’s most common in arms and legs, but some people will feel it when they have other body parts removed, such as a breast. For some people, the pain will go away on its own. For others, it can be long-lasting and severe.

Is phantom limb pain psychological?

Phantom pain is pain that feels like it’s coming from a body part that’s no longer there. Doctors once believed this post-amputation phenomenon was a psychological problem, but experts now recognize that these real sensations originate in the spinal cord and brain.

How does phantom limb affect the brain?

A popular theory of the cause of phantom limb pain is faulty ‘wiring’ of the sensorimotor cortex, the part of the brain that is responsible for processing sensory inputs and executing movements. In other words, there is a mismatch between a movement and the perception of that movement.

What is phantom leg syndrome?

Abstract. Phantom limb syndrome is a condition in which patients experience sensations, whether painful or otherwise, in a limb that does not exist. It has been reported to occur in 80-100% of amputees, and typically has a chronic course, often resistant to treatment.

What causes pain in the phantom limb after amputation?

Central changes seem to be a major determinant of phantom-limb pain; however, peripheral and psychological factors may contribute to it. A comprehensive model of phantom-limb pain is presented that assigns major roles to pain occurring before the amputation and to central as well as peripheral changes related to it.

What are the characteristics of phantom limb pain?

It seems to be more intense in the distal portions of the phantom and can have several different qualities, such as stabbing, throbbing, burning, or cramping.

When did The Lancet publish phantom limb pain?

Only reproduce with permission from The Lancet Publishing Group. 182THE LANCET Neurology Vol 1 July 2002 http://neurology.thelancet.com Phantom-limb pain is a common sequela of amputation, occurring in up to 80% of people who undergo the procedure.

Who is most at risk for phantom limb pain?

Older children have been reported to have a high frequency of phantom-limb pain,8,9but studies based on questionnaire data are especially difficult in children.