Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Phantom limb pain refers to the sensation of pain or discomfort felt in a limb that has been amputated. It is experienced as if the missing limb is still present and can range from mild tingling to severe burning sensations.
The brain's ability to reorganize itself by creating new neural connections. In the case of phantom limb pain, neuroplasticity explains how the brain adapts after amputation and continues to register sensations from the missing limb.
Mirror therapy: A treatment approach for phantom limb pain where patients use mirrors to create an illusion of movement in their missing limb. This helps alleviate symptoms by providing visual feedback that tricks the brain into perceiving movement and reducing pain.
Sensory substitution: A technique used in treating phantom limb pain where sensory information from one modality (such as touch) is presented through another modality (such as vision or sound). For example, using vibrations on the skin near the amputation site to mimic touch sensations on the missing limb.