$Unique_ID{BRK01016}
$Pretitle{Accidents, Poisoning, and Violence}
$Title{Is "Phantom Limb Pain" Real or Imaginary?}
$Subject{amputation pain phantom}
$Volume{O-2}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is "Phantom Limb Pain" Real or Imaginary?


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QUESTION:  Do you know of a condition called "phantom limb pain"?  Is it real
or imaginary?  Our young son, a victim of an automobile injury is said to have
such pain and we don't know how to deal with it.  Please help us.

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ANSWER:  The term "phantom limb pain" is used to describe the pain experienced
by some patients after an amputation has been performed.  The word "phantom"
refers to the missing member, not to an imaginary pain.  It is a difficult and
frustrating problem to treat for the location of the pain is usually in the
part of the limb that has been removed.  Experts on this problem feel that the
pain is caused by a combination of several causes, some involving the nerves,
some involving the psychological.  While pain medications are tried at first,
including narcotics to help break the cycle of pain perception, it frequently
requires a considerable amount of psychological counseling to achieve results.
This demands an understanding of the patient's emotional perception of the
loss, and discovering ways that address his needs.  Medical treatments include
injecting the stump to block impulses that can be originating in a neuroma or
nerve tumor.  When the pain is caused by a nerve that has become compressed by
surrounding tissue, it may be eliminated by surgically relieving the pressure.
Your role in supporting all these efforts and remaining compassionate and
sympathetic during this trying time may be the essential ingredient that leads
to the relief of the pain, and the return of your son to a normal and
productive life.  Your letter reveals that he has great talent, and much to
live for, now help him see this.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
