Abstract

PHANTOM LIMB SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Aparna Goyal, Rashmita Saha, Nimisha Doval, M. S. Bhatia*

ABSTRACT

Phantom limb sensation and phantom pain are common after amputation of a part of a body. It has been reported in 60-80% patients. Upto 10% of amputees might report severe pain leading to significant occupational dysfunction. Phantom limb pain is seen more commonly in upper limb amputees and in females. Initially phantom limb was considered to be primarily a psychiatric disorder but with accumulation of evidence, paradigm has shifted more towards changes at several levels of neural axis. The presence of stress, anxiety, depression and other emotional triggers can contribute to the persistence or exacerbation of Phantom limb sensation. Management ranged from pharmacological approaches involving preemptive use of analgesics and anesthetics during preoperative period to non- pharmacological therapy including mirror therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, biofeedback, guided imagery, relaxation techniques and hypnosis. We present a case of Phantom limb syndrome who responded to antidepressant therapy.

Keywords: phantom limb syndrome, pain, depression.