Phantom Limb Pain

Post-Amputation Pain

Post-amputation pain occurs after traumatic or surgical amputation, and includes both stump pain as well as phantom limb pain. With stump pain, the persistent pain is localized in the stump, and does not extend beyond this area. Phantom limb pain describes pain sensations that are felt in the area of missing limb or part. Phantom limb pain varies in intensity, frequency or episodes, duration of episodes and type of pain experienced. Phantom limb pain is usually described as a burning, crushing or squeezing sensations, and it can interfere with the use of prosthetic devices.

The treatment plan for stump pain and phantom limb depends upon many factors, such as the severity of the dysfunction and pain, the type and location of the pain, as well as patient’s age, ongoing medical conditions, and ability to tolerate other medical therapies. The doctor will take all of these factors into consideration when prescribing a treatment plan.

Phantom limb pain is difficult to treat. In general, the standard course of therapy will follow the chronic pain treatment continuum, and may involve medications, nerve blocks, implantable drug pumps, or neuroablation techniques.

Treatment for post-amputation pain will generally follow the standard chronic pain treatment continuum, and may involve medications, nerve blocks, neurostimulation or neuroablation techniques.