Phantom Limb Pain Management Specialists
Phantom Limb Pain
Condition Overview
Phantom limb pain is a sensation that occurs in people who have lost a limb — most commonly an arm, leg, hand or foot — but still feel discomfort or pain where it used to be. While this phenomenon commonly occurs after amputation, it can also happen after a traumatic injury or surgery results in nerve damage.
Even though the limb or nerve connection is no longer there, the brain continues to receive signals as if it were. These signals can lead to a wide variety of physical sensations that can be uncomfortable at best and debilitating at worst.
While the exact cause of phantom limb pain isn’t fully understood yet, there are still treatments available to help manage it. Phantom limb pain can be incredibly challenging to live with, but relief can be found — with the right treatment and support.
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Symptoms of Phantom Limb Pain
As the name suggests, the most common symptom faced by patients with phantom limb pain is pain itself. This pain is felt in a limb that has been lost and can show up in a number of different ways:
- Tingling or numbness
- Cramping or spasms
- Itching or pins and needles
- Feeling of tightness or squeezing
- Perception of temperature changes
- Sensation of movement
It’s important to note that not everyone who has experienced amputation or limb loss will feel phantom limb pain and the severity of symptoms varies greatly among those who do.
Diagnosis of Phantom Limb Pain
Our pain specialists will start by reviewing your medical history and discussing your symptoms. They’ll ask about any sensations or pain in the missing limb, exploring when it occurs and its emotional impact. During the exam, they’ll also check the remaining part of the limb for signs like extra sensitivity or muscle movements that feel like the missing limb is still there.
In addition to the exam, our team may order specialized imaging like MRI or CT scans to rule out other potential causes of pain. Diagnostic nerve blocks may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis of phantom limb pain. By combining these techniques, we can accurately diagnose and develop an effective treatment plan to alleviate symptoms.
Treatment Options for Phantom Limb Pain
Anyone dealing with phantom limb pain should collaborate closely with their doctors — especially pain specialists — to craft a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals. This plan may incorporate a mix of medications, interventions, rehabilitation techniques and psychological support to address the pain from all angles.
Treatment options for phantom limb pain at Nura include:
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Find Pain Relief
Schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists by filling out our appointment request form or giving us a call at 763-537-6000.
