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.