Phantom limb pain

Phantom limb pain occurs when a person feels pain in a limb that has been amputated.

Patients may describe burning, cramping or shooting pain in the missing limb. It is thought to arise from reorganization in the brain and spinal cord, where nerves continue to send signals despite the absence of the limb. Treatment includes medications, mirror therapy and neuromodulation techniques. Phantom limb pain illustrates the profound role of the nervous system in shaping the pain experience.