Epidemiology and mechanisms of phantom limb pain

Abstract

After amputation, most individuals describe that they can still feel their missing limb. This phantom limb sensation can range from the pure perception of the limb to non-painful cold and warm sensations and electrical feelings in the limb. At the same time, a majority of the amputees have a painful perception of the limb that has been amputated. This phenomenon is called "phantom limb pain (PLP)" and is estimated to occur in 50-80% of all amputees. PLP is usually classified as neuropathic pain, mediated by changes in the peripheral and central nervous system. Additionally, different factors such as cause of amputation, amputation level, demographic factors, or psychosocial factors all seem to contribute to the course and severity of PLP. Despite the fact that an extensive number of research projects have been focusing on PLP, it is still not fully understood and remains a challenging problem for both the patient and the clinician.