Contralateral stimulation, using TENS, of phantom limb pain: two confirmatory cases.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of trans-electric nerve stimulation (TENS) for phantom limb pain applied to contralateral limb (nonamputated limb).


METHODS
Two detailed single case studies using TENS on the contralateral limb are reported in a longitudinal study with one-year follow-up. Five variables were measured across this period. The study comprised of five sequential stages (Pre-assessment, Preliminary baseline, Start of intervention, Extended assessment, One-year follow-up).


METHODS
Patients were identified at the Rookwood Hospital in Cardiff. They subsequently received regular home visits. The first patient was a 24-year-old male who had suffered a left below-elbow amputation following a car crash. The second patient was a 38-year-old male who had a transfemoral right amputation further to a viral infection.


METHODS
The following semistructured interview and questionnaires were used: McGill Comprehensive pain questionnaire part A and B; The Cambridge Phantom Limb Profile; The Groningen Questionnaire: Problems after Arm Amputation; and 13 Visual Analog Scales.


CONCLUSIONS
Both patients showed a significant improvement in their perception of phantom limb pain and sensations that was maintained at one-year follow-up. A randomized blinded controlled trial to confirm these positive outcomes is required.
Giuffrida
Orazio
O
School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Simpson
Lyn
L
Halligan
Peter W
PW
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000672:Amputation Stumps; D001132:Arm / Q000601:surgery; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000150:complications; D055815:Young Adult