Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a form of neuropathic pain occurring after limb amputation, and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear, posing significant challenges for clinical management. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), a neuromodulation technique, has shown potential in relieving chronic pain, though its long-term efficacy and safety in treating PLP require further validation. This report presents a case of a 42-year-old male experiencing persistent radiating, lightning-like pain [Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score 8-9], following right upper limb amputation. Preoperative imaging revealed signal loss in the right nerve roots at C₆-T₁. A percutaneous electrode was implanted surgically to achieve full coverage of the painful region. Five days postoperatively, the VAS score dropped to 2-3, and after 1 year of follow-up, the patient continued to experience significant pain relief (VAS 1-2), with complete resolution of depressive symptoms and cessation of analgesic medication. Existing studies suggest that the long-term outcomes of SCS may fluctuate, and attention should be paid to potential complications such as infection and electrode displacement.
Humans ; Phantom Limb/therapy* ; Male ; Adult ; Spinal Cord Stimulation/methods* ; Electrodes, Implanted ; Amputation, Surgical/adverse effects*

Since the phantom limb sensation was first described by the French military surgeon Ambroise Pare in the 16th century, the number of studies surrounding phantom limb pain has increased every year. Especially in recent decades, scientists have achieved a better understanding of the mechanism and treatment of phantom limb pain. Although many hypotheses have been agreed and many treatments have been proven effective, scientists still do not have a very systematic understanding of the phantom limbs. The purpose of this review article is to summarize recent researches focusing on phantom limb in order to discuss its definition, mechanisms, and treatments.
Amputation ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Phantom Limb ; etiology ; therapy

Tinnitus is a phantom sensation of sound in the absence of external stimulation. Since the mechanism of tinnitus is not clearly discovered, no currently available treatments are ideal. There have been many published studies which report that electrical stimulation has a suppressive effect on tinnitus. Although there is no consensus stimulation method and regimen, electrical stimulation has emerged as an interesting and promising modality for tinnitus relief. In this review, authors collected and analyzed articles on electrical stimulation and outlined various methods of noninvasive and invasive stimulation.
Consensus ; Electric Stimulation Therapy ; Electric Stimulation* ; Phantom Limb ; Tinnitus*

Amputation ; adverse effects ; Amputation Stumps ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Analgesics ; administration & dosage ; Chronic Pain ; etiology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Hypnosis ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Pain Management ; Phantom Limb ; etiology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Reoperation ; Treatment Outcome ; Upper Extremity ; injuries ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo review the mechanisms and current clinical application of pharmacological interventions for phantom limb pain.

DATA SOURCESBoth Chinese and English language literatures were searched using MEDLINE (1982 - 2011), Pubmed (1982 - 2011) and the Index of Chinese Language Literature (1982 - 2011).

STUDY SELECTIONData from published articles about pharmacological management of phantom limb pain in recent domestic and foreign literature were selected. Data extraction Data were mainly extracted from 96 articles which are listed in the reference section of this review.

RESULTSBy reviewing the mechanisms and current clinical application of pharmacological interventions for phantom limb pain, including anticonvulsants, antidepressants, local anaesthetics, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tramadol, opioids, calcitonin, capsaicin, beta-adrenergic blockers, clonidine, muscle relaxants, and emerging drugs, we examined the efficacy and safety of these medications, outlined the limitations and future directions.

CONCLUSIONSAlthough there is lack of evidence-based consensus guidelines for the pharmacological management of phantom limb pain, we recommend tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, tramadol, opioids, local anaesthetics and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists as the rational options for the treatment of phantom limb pain.

Analgesics ; therapeutic use ; Analgesics, Opioid ; therapeutic use ; Anticonvulsants ; therapeutic use ; Antidepressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Phantom Limb ; drug therapy ; Tramadol ; therapeutic use

Phantom limbs are usually observed after amputation of extremities. In patients after a stroke, a similar but rarely occurring phenomenon consisting of the patient experiencing the presence of an additional limb has been described. This phenomenon, generally called supernumerary phantom limb (SPL), may be caused by lesions in the right or left cerebral hemisphere, but has been predominantly reported in patients who have had a right hemispheric stroke. We report two cases of atypical SPL and phantom limb pain (PLP) after pontine hemorrhage. The patients were treated conservatively and their symptoms lasted more than 1 month. This is the first report of SPLs after left pontine hemorrhage, and phantom perception and pain lasted longer than those in previously observed cases. Our results indicate that SPL may be more common than reported; therefore, thorough examinations are essential for the care of stroke patients.
Cerebral Hemorrhage/*complications ; Cerebral Infarction/complications ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain/etiology ; Phantom Limb/*diagnosis/etiology/therapy ; Psychomotor Performance/physiology ; Stroke/complications ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain Measurement ; Phantom Limb ; therapy