Last update:
30-Sep-2025

Phantom limb pain characterized as a painful sensation in a limb, organ, or tissue after amputation or nerve injury, occurs in 60–85% of adult amputees. The therapeutic treatment of phantom limb pain is pharmacological and non-pharmacological. The medicines include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, antidepressants, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid, β-blockers, local analgesics and anesthetics and botulinum toxin type B. Non-pharmacological therapies include several treatments, of which the main are mirror therapy, graded motor imagery, use of functional prostheses, cognitive behavioral therapy and virtual reality training. Since phantom limb pain may impair significant dimensions of quality of life, such as mood, sleep, degree of independence, mental health, and even relationships with family and friends, effective treatment becomes a top priority.

Key words: Amputation, Pain, Phantom limb pain, Phantom pain, Therapy.