Natural Sensory Feedback for Phantom Limb Pain Modulation and Therapy

Abstract

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a frequent consequence of amputation, and it is notoriously difficult to treat. Despite isolated reports of success, no medical/non-medical treatments have been beneficial on more than a temporary basis. Recent evidence suggests that the pathophysiological mechanism of PLP is related to neuroplastic changes in the cortex. While the majority of the treatments currently offered seek to actively suppress the pain, the EU consortium ‘EPIONE’ will challenge the status-quo of PLP treatment by actively creating natural, meaningful sensations that will restore the neuroplastic changes in the cortex and thereby control and alleviate pain. The consortium will develop dedicated, technological solutions and test these in multi-center clinical trials within Europe and the US.