ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the topic of amputation and the associated sequelae. It discusses the epidemiology and several proposed etiologies of the sequelae, focusing on phantom limb pain (PLP). The chapter discusses the manifestation of PLP, specifically with respect to psychophysical aspects and cortical representation. Fourth, explore the proposed treatments of PLP and consider a potential new therapy paradigm. Multiple studies have estimated the prevalence of limb loss and the subsequent effects of amputation. As many as 185,000 amputations occur every year in the United States. In some circumstances, PLSs can be helpful in adjusting to the use of a prosthetic device, where the phantom limb embodies the prosthesis. Murray describes the embodiment phenomenon as a transition of a prosthesis from an extracorporeal structure to a corporeal one, meaning the prosthesis becomes part of the identity of self. The quantification and description of PLP is important in understanding the effectiveness of treatment.
