[Phantom pain after amputation of extremities].
Phantom pain is experienced by about 70% of patients following limb amputation. In most patients, both the frequency and the intensity of pain attacks diminish with time, but severe pain persists in about 5-10%. The mechanisms underlying pain in amputees are not fully understood, but factors in both the peripheral and central nervous system play a role. Pain before the amputation seems to increase the risk of phantom pain, but the relation is not simple. Treatment of phantom pain is not successful; a recent study on prevention of the pain with a preoperative epidural blockade showed negative results. The future may reveal new specific drugs for treatment.
Nikolajsen
L
L
Arhus Universitetshospital, Arhus Kommunehospital, Dansk Smerteforskningscenter. nikolajsen@dadlnet.dk
Lindvig
M
M
D000672:Amputation Stumps / Q000503:physiopathology; D001132:Arm / Q000601:surgery; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic