Home Conditions Nerves Phantom Pain

Phantom Pain

Phantom limb pain occurs after an individual has undergone limb amputation and still feels severe pain around where the limb used to be. 85% of individuals that undergo an amputation report feeling some kind of sensation in the missing area. This painful condition has often been misdiagnosed as psychological; however, it is now considered to originate from the brain and spine.

What Causes Phantom Pain?

Research has shown that what partly causes phantom limb pain after an amputation is a mechanism known as a peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (PNH). During the process, neurons in the brain can still be stimulated from the area around the affected limb or body part. The neurons still fire off signals, even though the body part has been amputated, and these signals result in the sensation of pain for the individual.

Symptoms of Phantom Pain

Often, phantom limb pain is described as a burning, stabbing, or throbbing sensation that is caused by neuropathic post-amputation pain, however, the pain is usually described as pins and needles and typically begins after the first couple of days following the amputation. In most cases, the pain decreases over time, but in others, with cases of chronic limb pain, the prognosis can be generally poor.

Phantom Pain Treatment

There are no specific medications approved for the treatment of phantom limb pain, however, research has shown favorable outcomes regarding the use of the following agents: Anticonvulsants, Antidepressants and Opioids.

These medications can be taken orally or, in some cases, through the use of intrathecal pain pump implants. This device delivers pain-relieving medications into the intrathecal area between the spinal cord and its protective sheath.

Spinal cord stimulation is another option to help reduce pain if medication is not an option. This involves the implantation of a device near the spinal column that sends electrical impulses to help control pain signals that are sent from the nerves located in the spinal area.

Phantom Pain Video

Related Posts

Diabetic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Types and Treatments

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which nerves become damaged, leading to tingling, numbness, burning, and pain in your hands and/or feet.

How to Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain

Do you think you may be struggling with sciatica? Read on to find out what’s causing it and how Clearway Pain Solutions can help.

Request an Appointment

Are you ready to alleviate your pain and restore your physical function so you can live your best life – the one you want and deserve? The entire Clearway team is ready to help.

To request an appointment, please click the button below. You will be routed to our Patient Portal, where you can register with us by providing us with some basic information. We will get back as quickly as possible to set up and confirm your appointment day and time. Just below the form, we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, as well.

Any Questions?