Phantom limb syndrome (phantom pain) is something that happens to a person who has lost a limb, but still feels as though it is there. Sometimes they feel as though the limb is in severe pain, but sometimes they may feel that it is still functioning, or sometimes even that something is brushing up against it. The question is, what could possibly cause it? And is there a way to prevent this from happening to us?
Left: A brain with phantom limb pain Center: Amputees’ brain without limb pain Right: Healthy control brain
Luckily we finally have the answers, but it actually took scientists about 400 years to figure out why something like the would occur. About 25 years ago, “neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran of the University of San Diego discovered that the brain’s ability to form new neural connections might cause the syndrome. Areas of the brain responsible for perceiving touch sensations from other parts of the body — the face, for example — appeared to be taking on the sensation from the missing limbs. When touched on the existing body part — in this case, the face — the patient feels the same sensation in the phantom limb” (Borel). During MRIs or PETs of these patients, it seems to be that, although the limb is missing, the portion of the brain that “had been neurologically connected to the nerves of the amputated limbs” (obviously) is still there (Mayoclinic). So for a while, the brain might remain wired to that specific limb, even after it is missing, but after some time, it might rewire (remap) as explained earlier. This happens when areas of the spinal cord recognize that there is no longer any connection to the limb or receiving sensory information, the information gets sent to another existing part of the body.
Of course, some cases could be simpler than this, caused by “damaged nerve endings, scar tissue at the site of the amputation and the physical memory of pre-amputation pain in the affected area” (Mayoclinic).Unfortunately for all amputees, about 80% experience phantom limb pain, which is a fairly high number.
Luckily, they are finding ways to cure it! There is a treatment called the mirror box which is “a lidless box that is partitioned through the middle by a two-sided mirror. Here, the patient puts both the intact and phantom limbs through two holes cut into the side of the box, so that each sits on either side of the mirror divider. The patient looks into the top of box at an angle, so that the reflection of the real limb is visible in the mirror” (Borel). The mirror helps to trick the brain into thinking that the real limb is actually the missing limb, which allows it to regain a sense of control. Even cooler than this is with the use of an Xbox Kinect. People found a way to alter the gaming system to create a way for an amputee who is playing to have all of their limbs in a virtual room. This method, again, would trick the brain. Here is a link for a video of a patient using the mirror therapy.
It is good that researchers are finding these treatments, but I definitely think it is important to keep advancing the research, considering how many people are affected by this syndrome. But it is fascinating to see how the human body works, and what causes it to work the way it does. Perhaps if researchers narrow it down to a more specific cause and effect, they will be able to come up with a more effective cure.
I found this blog very fascinating. Maybe it’s even a little kairotic, too, considering the topic is “phantom pain” from limbs, and Halloween is right around the corner. So, given the nature of the coming holiday, the eerie title, and my lack of understanding of what phantom pain truly is, this blog post dragged me in almost immediately.
I’d heard of the term phantom pain before (as a given, considering you stated almost 80% of amputees experience this phenomenon). However, I never truly stopped to wonder if it was an actual occurrence rather than just a few isolated, occasional flashbacks. I never truly stopped to wonder if people seriously experienced this. I never truly stopped to wonder why, or what it was, or really anything related to the topic. However, your blog made me wonder. Your blog answered my questions in a well written, organized manner. On top of it all though, your blog just made me more curious.
The one thing I didn’t understand was the mirror therapy. Phantom pain, by my understanding, seems to originate because of the brain thinking the limb is still present- like when you said the body may experience feelings as if the limb is in extreme pain, or brushing up against something. So, wouldn’t the best type of therapy be making the mind realize the limb is in fact no longer present? Instead of tricking the mind into thinking it’s operating that limb through the mirrors?
Another aspect that I absolutely cannot fathom, is what phantom limb feelings are like. If an arm is missing, how does it feel like something is touching it? If one can’t physically see that arm…how can they perceive it’s touching something? It’s a subject that flies well over my head. It’s certainly something I’ll continue to further research on- I not only lack understanding in the area, but again, it’s absolutely fascinating. Some more research on phantom limb pain can be found through this oxford journal.
This blog, and the research presented, raised many questions of mine (only a few which have been noted). One of my further curiosities, the last which should be mentioned, is of the beneficial possibilities of phantom research. If scientists are beginning to find the mechanism which tricks the mind into thinking a limb is present and feeling…shouldn’t this open the door to new methods to help resolve paralyzed victims? Or couldn’t it also open the door to create a new type of pain relief? Or maybe…in a more sci-fi field..a new type of virtual reality?
Overall, my thoughts on this intriguing topic are endless and I could extend this comment on and on- but it’s best to stop here. Great job! I loved the choice in topic and your research done. I’m glad you included the ways in which it can be healed as well. Keep up the good work.