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What is phantom pain after an amputation?

On Behalf of | Jul 27, 2019 | Uncategorized

Losing a limb is a complicated situation. It is tough if you get to prepare for it and know that the amputation will help you to be healthier in the future, but if the amputation occurs due to an accident in Georgia where you have no time to plan for it, it can be devastating. Regardless, adjusting to life afterwards takes work. You may experience odd sensations or phantom pain that can be frustrating.

U.S. News and World Report explains that phantom pain is where you feel the missing limb as if it were still there. This happens with not only arms and legs but also smaller body parts, such as toes, and even breasts after a mastectomy. It may seem quite odd to feel a body part that is no longer there, especially to feel pain in it. However, this is very normal.

The reason it happens is because of your brain’s inability to recognize the body part is gone. Your neve pathways are still there in the brain, which tricks it into thinking the limb is still there. The brain tries to send messages, which, obviously, cannot get to where they need to go, which confuses the brain and makes it respond with pain or other sensations.

It is very common to have these feelings. While it may not always be pain, almost all amputees experience something like phantom pain. It is a natural part of your brain learning that the body part is no longer there and adjusting to it. There is treatment available, so if you do feel phantom pain, let your doctor know. This information is for education and is not legal advice.

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