Phantom Limb Pain Flashcards
what is phantom limb pain
pain that feels as though it is in the lost limb
is phantom limb pain common
yes
when does phantom limb pain go away
overtime w/o tx (for some)
managing it could be challenging (for others)
RL pain
ongoing discomfort at the amputation site
phantom limb sensation
feeling that the missing limb is still there
uncomfortable, burning, tingling, itching
causes of phantom limb pain
changes in nerve circuitry
pain before amputation
blood clot
neuroma
other factors
changes in nerve circuitry
after an amputation
nerve cells in the brain appear to make new connections
what may relate to the PLP –>changes in nerve circuitry
brain rewiring
what could increase the risk of PLP –> changes in nerve circuitry
certain types of nerve damage or injury
way the brain processes an amputation
how the brain perceives pain changes
pain before amputation
brain holds on to the memory of the pain
keeps sending signals
even after the limb is removed
blood clot
arterial blood clot
reduces how much oxygen gets to tissues
neuroma
growth containing many nerve cells
can form on the nerve endings in the RL causing painful nerve activity
other factors
poor fitting prosthesis
triggers of phantom pain
use of your prosthesis
weather changes
pressure on the remaining part of the limb
emotional stress
fatigue
prevention of PLP
numbing the surgical area before the surgery
