Phantom Limb Research Paper

Phantom limb is the perception that an amputated limb is still attached to the body and still continues to move with other parts of the body (Ramachandran, Hirstein, & William, 1998). Estimates of the prevalence vary, however, it can be said that it affects the majority of amputees at around 80%. Additionally, the phantom limb experience ranges from sensations in the limb to severe pain in the amputation (Sherman, Sherman, & Parker, 1984). Phantom limb may also occur in parts separate from limbs that may include amputation of the breasts, tooth removal, or eye removal (phantom eye syndrome). The pain experienced may also be worsened by stress and anxiety, and the sensations may take the form of itching, twitching, and the missing limb moving (Nikolajsen & Jensen, 2006). On a neurological level, phantom pain takes place when nerves that would usually animate the amputated limb causes pain. While in some cases, the pain may be tremendously tormenting, some individuals may only experience itching, making the pain spectrum very wide and different from person to person (Ramachandran, Hirstein, & William, 1998). Phantom limb is the perception that an amputated limb is still attached to the body and still continues to move with other parts of the body (Ramachandran, Hirstein, & William, 1998). Estimates of the prevalence vary, however, it can be said that it affects the majority of amputees at around 80%. Additionally, the phantom limb experience ranges from sensations in the limb to severe pain in the amputation (Sherman, Sherman, & Parker, 1984). Phantom limb may also occur in parts separate from limbs that may include amputation of the breasts, tooth removal, or eye removal (phantom eye syndrome). The pain experienced may also be worsened by stress and anxiety, and the sensations may take the form of itching, twitching, and the missing limb moving (Nikolajsen & Jensen, 2006). On a neurological level, phantom pain takes place when nerves that would usually animate the amputated limb causes pain. While in some cases, the pain may be tremendously tormenting, some individuals may only experience itching, making the pain spectrum very wide and different from person to person (Ramachandran, Hirstein, & William, 1998). Phantom limb is the perception that an amputated limb is still attached to the body and still continues to move with other parts of the body (Ramachandran, Hirstein, & William, 1998). Estimates of the prevalence vary, however, it can be said that it affects the majority of amputees at around 80%. Additionally, the phantom limb experience ranges from sensations in the limb to severe pain in the amputation (Sherman, Sherman, & Parker, 1984). Phantom limb may also occur in parts separate from limbs that may include amputation of the breasts, tooth removal, or eye removal (phantom eye syndrome). The pain experienced may also be worsened by stress and anxiety, and the sensations may take the form of itching,

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