Definition

Noun: A type of chronic pain perceived as originating from a limb that is no longer physically present. It is a neurological condition experienced by many amputees, where the brain continues to receive signals from nerves that originally carried impulses from the missing limb.

Usage

This term is used specifically in medical, psychological, and patient-care contexts to describe a well-documented phenomenon following amputation. * The veteran sought treatment for severe phantom limb pain. * Phantom limb pain can manifest as burning, cramping, or shooting sensations. * Researchers are studying the brain mechanisms behind phantom limb pain.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often discussed in contrast to , which is the non-painful feeling that the missing limb is still present.
• It is a key concept in the study of neuroplasticity and the body's internal representation, or "body schema."

Variants and Related Words

• Phantom pain (n): A broader term that can refer to pain perceived in any missing body part, not just a limb.
• Phantom limb sensation (n): The non-painful awareness of a missing limb.

Synonyms

• Neuropathic pain (in the context of amputation)
• Deafferentation pain (a more technical term)

Related Phrases

• To experience phantom limb pain: The standard verb collocation.
  • Most amputees will experience phantom limb pain at some point.
• To alleviate/manage phantom limb pain: Common phrases regarding treatment.
  • Mirror therapy is one technique used to manage phantom limb pain.

Noun

1. pain felt by an amputee that seems to be located in the missing limb