Phantom phenomena in limb amputees – a review article

Abstract

Amputation leading to the loss of a body part is associated not only with significant economic costs, but also serious consequences of medical and socio-psychological nature. It is the ultimate means to save a life or improve its quality. The most difficult challenges faced by amputees include accepting changes regarding their own physiognomy and the resulting life restrictions. The patient subjected to amputation is faced with an extremely difficult adaptation process, during which s/he should strive for a maximum degree of independence. Unfortunately, a large group of patients also struggles with various types of sensations and pain located within the lost limb − i.e., so-called phantom phenomena. This is a special group of phenomena of diverse nature, “located” within the lost limb. The occurrence of phantom limb syndrome in amputee patients is extremely common. This problem affects from 45% to even 98% of patients after amputation of one or both upper and lower limbs. The main purpose of this article is to describe phantom phenomena observed in patients after limb amputation in light of current literature. The definition, historical outline, types of phantom phenomena are presented, as well as hypothetical pathomechanisms, factors influencing the frequency and intensity of phantom phenomena and available treatment methods. The work was based on numerous text sources and the author’s own experience.