title: The phantom and the supernumerary phantom limb: historical review and new case.
abstract: The way we experience the world is determined by the way our brain works. The phantom limb phenomenon, which is a delusional belief of the presence of a non-existent limb, has a particular fascination in neurology. This positive phenomenon of the phantom limb raises theoretical questions about its nature. After a stroke, some patients experience the perception of an extra limb in addition to the regular set of two arms and two legs. This complex cognitive and perceptual distortion is called supernumerary phantom limb. Here, we review the pathogenesis and historical aspects, and report a new case.
authors: Neurology Unit, Versilia Hospital, Via Aurelia 55043, Lido di Camaiore-Lu, Italy. cprgrl@gmail.com
authors: Gabriele
authors: G
authors: Cipriani
authors: Lucia
authors: L
authors: Picchi
authors: Marcella
authors: M
authors: Vedovello
authors: Angelo
authors: A
authors: Nuti
authors: Mario Di
authors: MD
authors: Fiorino
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D005121:Extremities / Q000503:physiopathology; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000209:etiology* / Q000266:history / Q000503:physiopathology; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology