Phantom limb

Phantom limb

Any non-painful sensation in the amputated limb

SCI & Phantom limb

Experiences tend to resolve quickly Other areas of the cortical map re-model to the areas once used to mediate the paralyzed limb

Stump pain

Painful sensations localized to the stump of an amputated limb Mediated by PN signals

Phantom pain

Painful sensations that seem to occur a the lost limb Cortically perceived - no peripheral component; no mediated by PN signals Usually cannot be ended by nerve block Often described as excruciating,sticking, cramping, burning, squeezing

CNS Phenomena

Phantom pain and phantom limb Cortical map of the body still retain the anatomical image of the amputated body part Brain beleives the amputated body part still remains Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TNS) - no changes observed in cortical map area after amputation Other areas of the cortical map eventually re-model the cortical region that once mediated sensation/movement of the amputated limb TMS will show change in the cortical map

Phantom limb in hands/face

Some patients with hand amputations report if their amputated limb is touched, they experience the sensation of their face being touched. On somatosensory cortex, face and hands are mapped next to each other

Phantom pain treatment

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) - moderate success Vibration - temporary Analgeis/pain killers - moderate