Phantom limb pain.
Phantom pain is experienced by 60% to 80% of patients following limb amputation but is only severe in about 5% to 10% of cases. The mechanisms underlying pain in amputees are not fully understood, but factors in both the peripheral and central nervous system play a role. Treatment of phantom pain is not successful; a recent study on prevention of phantom pain showed negative results. The future may reveal new specific drugs for treatment.
Nikolajsen
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Department of Neurology and Danish Pain Research Center, University of Aarhus, Aarhus Kommunehospital, Building 1 C, Nørrebrogade 44, Aarhus C, DK 8000, Denmark. nikolajsen@dadlnet.dk
Staehelin Jensen
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D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*