Phantom limb pain

Abstract Phantom limb pain (PLP) is the consequence of amputation, a traumatic process that affects individuals physically and mentally/emotionally for the rest of their lives. It is a historically difficult condition to treat due to many reasons, including confusion in diagnosis, lack of understanding of the pathophysiology, and inadequate and/or incomplete treatment approaches which do not fully address all of the underlying factors contributing to PLP in an individual. Short of perfecting limb regeneration, there is no way in which to eradicate the phenomenon of PLP, as it is a natural consequence of human anatomical and physiological processes. However, evidence and research suggest that if clinicians are able to take timely and appropriate steps for prevention and management of PLP, meaningful improvements in patients’ functionality and quality of life may occur.