What is phantom limb syndrome?
The phantom limb syndrome is the perception of sensations in a limb or limbs that no longer exist. Phantom limb syndrome occurs commonly in amputees; about 60 to 80 percent of individuals who have undergone amputations have reported this sensation. There are evidences showing that patients have higher likelihood of experiencing the syndrome when undergoes traumatic loss, or there has been pre-existing painful conditions in the limb. Phantom sensation can be observed in those who are born without limbs and in those who are paralyzed as well. In some cases, patient will suffer in severe, debilitating chronic pain. Normally, the pain attack will ameliorated with time.

What are the symptoms of phantom limb syndrome? …show more content…
In a historical perspective, doctors once believed this post-amputation phenomenon was a psychological problem. However, the recent research involve neuroimaging, has showed the changes in peripheral and central neural networks after amputation and their contribution to the development of phantom limb syndrome.
 Peripheral changes: During amputation, a massive amount of peripheral nerves are severed. The irritation in the severed nerve endings (as known as neuromas) was thought to be the reason behind phantom sensation.
 Central changes: neuroplasticity, the ability of neurons in the brain to adapt their behavior and change the pathways is used to explain phantom limb syndrome recently. According to the cortical reorganization, phantom limb pain was explained specifically by map expansion neuroplasticity.
 Psychological factors do not seem to contribute to the causation but factors such as stress and anxiety may affect the duration and the severity of the pain.

Treatment for phantom limb syndrome
There are several treatments that can help to reduce phantom limb