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Conditions | Phantom Pain

Phantom pain is pain that feels like it's coming from a body part no longer there. Doctors now recognize a physical cause for this pain, and understand that this post-amputation phenomenon originates in the brain.

Learn More About Phantom Pain

Need to know more about how phantom pain will affect you or someone you care for? Learn all the basics of phantom pain and what it does:

     » Introduction to Phantom Pain
     » The Signs of Phantom Pain
     » What Causes Phantom Pain?
     » Treatments for Phantom Pain

Features on Phantom Pain

Depression Worsens Phantom Limb Pain

Phantom Pain can Occur in recently amputated limbs. Find out how depression can increase this pain.

» Read More

Live Forward with Phantom Pain

Talking About Pain—So Your Doctor Understands

Talking to your doctor can be overwhelming, especially when it’s about pain. Find out how to tell your doctor how you’re feeling.

» Read More

Screening and Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Self-Care

Prevention

by MayoClinic.com

Because the risk of developing phantom pain is higher for people who have experienced pain in the limb before amputation, some doctors numb the limb for several days before the amputation surgery. However, this practice hasn't been consistently effective in preventing phantom pain.

Two drugs have shown promise in preventing phantom pain.

Calcitonin (Miacalcin). Researchers aren't sure why calcitonin — a hormone produced by the body that slows the rate at which your body breaks down bone — provides pain relief. You may receive this drug directly into a vein (intravenously) during the week after amputation.
Ketamine (Ketalar). This anesthetic drug is sometimes given after surgery to help prevent phantom pain. Its side effects can include sedation, hallucinations and delirium.

2007-11-09

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