PHANTOM LIMB PAIN: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

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Published: Oct 1, 2013

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Fahim Anwar
Corresponding Author Fahim Anwar MRCSEd, MRCPS (Glasgow), FEBPRM Consultant in Rehabilitation and Pain Management Stobhill Hospital Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

Phantom limb pain is described as abnormal sensation (painful or non painful) from an amputated limb. Phantom limb pain is a very common condition in patients undergoing amputation regardless of the cause of amputation. The condition can be very disabling and therefore should be differentiated from non-painful phantom sensation, residual limb pain and stump pain secondary to bony overgrowths. There is overwhelming evidence regarding central nervous system changes in phantom limb pain, however the role of peripheral mechanisms and psychological factors are as important in the pathogenesis of phantom limb pain. The treatment of phantom limb pain is difficult and challenging. The evidence for the use of pharmacological approaches fro phantom limb pain is weak and non-pharmacological approaches do not work for most of the patients.  Prolonged phantom limb pain interferes with the ongoing rehabilitation and prosthetic fitting leading to poor functional outcome. The prognosis of phantom pain varies and in some cases spontaneous resolution can occur following few years.

 

Article Details

How to Cite
Anwar, F. “PHANTOM LIMB PAIN: REVIEW OF LITERATURE”. KHYBER MEDICAL UNIVERSITY JOURNAL, vol. 5, no. 4, Oct. 2013, pp. 213-8, https://www.kmuj.kmu.edu.pk/article/view/10914.
Issue
Vol. 5 No. 4 (2013): Khyber Med Univ J 2013 (Oct-Dec), VOL 5 ;NO 4
Section
Narrative Review Articles

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Author Biography

Fahim Anwar, Corresponding Author Fahim Anwar MRCSEd, MRCPS (Glasgow), FEBPRM Consultant in Rehabilitation and Pain Management Stobhill Hospital Glasgow, United Kingdom

Corresponding Author

Fahim Anwar MRCSEd, MRCPS (Glasgow), FEBPRM

Consultant in Rehabilitation and Pain Management

Stobhill Hospital

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Email: fanwar10@gmail.com

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