Oral ketamine for phantom limb pain: An option for challenging cases

Abstract

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a referred neuropathic pain perceived to arise from an amputated part of the body. It occurs in up to 80% of limb amputees and affects the patient's quality of life and rehabilitation.[1,2] The mechanisms of PLP remain unknown but involve both peripheral and central neural factors including activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors.[2] Although ketamine, an NMDA receptor blocker, has been successfully used in many neuropathic pain conditions, its role in treating PLP is unclear.[3,4] We describe a challenging case of PLP where treatment with oral ketamine provided adequate relief.