Phantom limb
| Phantom limb | |
|---|---|
| A cat attempting to use its left foreleg to scoop litter several months after it has been amputated | |
| Specialty | Neurology |
Phantom limb refers to brain's perception of pain in a limb that has been surgically amputated and is one of the most common sequelae of limb loss, with prevalence estimates ranging from 50% to 80% of all individuals who undergo amputation. Phantom limb can also present itself in two ways: phantom limb pain (PLP) or phantom limb sensations. Phantom limb pain is a painful or unpleasant sensation experienced where the amputated limb was. Phantom sensations are any other, nonpainful sensations perceived in the amputated or missing limb area.