Phantom Limb Pain: Mechanism and Treatment Modalities: A Critical Review

Abstract

The main reasons for amputation of limb are mechanical trauma, complication of diabetes, vascular diseases, gangrene, and as a surgical measure. After amputation, the remaining part is called as stump. Even though the limb is not present, at the site of the stump, the patient feels pain sensation which is called as phantom limb pain. The onset of pain may be immediately after amputation or it may occur weeks or months later. There are different mechanisms which explain the pathophysiology of phantom pain which includes peripheral mechanism and spinal mechanism. There are many types of treatment modalities which include pharmacological and alternative therapies. Mirror therapy, music therapy, spinal stimulation therapy, massages therapy, and virtual reality are the main alternatives, and complementary medicine or modalities for patient with phantom limb pain.