Phantom Pain

Many quadriplegics, as well as amputees experience what is called ghost, or phantom pain.  These pains are usually felt in different limbs of the body.  Patient's that have experienced such pains, refer to it as a tingly feeling in one or more of their limbs, of which they normally have no apparent feeling.  It can be compared to one's foot or hand falling asleep.  These feelings can often be accompanied by nightmares, whereas the patient dreams that their body is functioning somewhat normally.  Phantom pain sensations are described as perceptions that an individual experiences relating to a limb or an organ that is not physically part of the body or functioning.  However, phantom limb sensations can also occur following nerve avulsion or spinal cord injury.  Sensations are recorded most frequently following the amputation of an arm or a leg, but may also occur following the removal of a breast or an internal organ. Phantom limb pain is the feeling of pain in an absent limb or a portion of a limb. The pain sensation varies from individual to individual.

Phantom limb sensation is the term given to any sensory phenomenon (except pain) which is felt at an absent limb or a portion of the limb. It has been known that at least 80% of amputees experience phantom sensations at some time of their lives. Some experience some level of this phantom pain and feeling in the missing limb for the rest of their lives.

There are various types of sensations that may be felt:

§    Sensations related to the phantom limb's posture, length and volume e.g. feeling that the phantom limb is behaving just like a normal limb like sitting with the knee bent or feeling that the phantom limb is as heavy as the other limb. Sometimes, an amputee will experience a sensation called telescoping. This is the feeling that the phantom limb is gradually shortening over time.

§    Sensations of movement (e.g. feeling that the phantom foot is moving).

§    Sensations of touch, temperature, pressure and itchiness. Many amputees report of feeling heat, tingling, itchiness, and pain.

It is important to understand phantom pains with a patient, as to them it is very real, and sometimes 

extremely upsetting.  As the caregiver, compassion and understanding can prove to be key in an individual's

recovery process.