Phantom limb pain

Phantom limb pain is the sensation of pain perceived in a limb that has been amputated. Despite the limb being absent, the brain continues to interpret signals as if the limb is still there, often due to nerve endings at the stump or changes in nerve pathways and brain processing. This pain can range from mild to severe and may feel like throbbing, burning, or shooting sensations. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it involves complex interactions between nerves, the spinal cord, and brain plasticity following limb loss.