Coping with amputation and phantom limb pain.

I Pucher; W Kickinger; O Frischenschlager

doi:10.1016/s0022-3999(98)00111-1

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Coping with amputation and phantom limb pain.

I Pucher·W Kickinger·O Frischenschlager

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Abstract

Phantom limb pain is a common, distressing phenomenon that can occur after the amputation or denervation of a part of the body. No conclusive etiological models or theories have emerged, although the problem was identified some time ago. This empirical-diagnostic study deals with correlations between coping with limb loss, body image, and the occurrence of phantom limb pain. It is based on Melzack's concept of a neuromatrix. Coping strategies were evaluated using semistructured interviews and analysis of patients' drawings of their body images. The results of the study, based on 43 amputees, show a significant association between coping strategies and pain. Patients who cope better with the loss suffer less from phantom limb pain. A difference can also be noted in subjective representation of the body image: patients suffering from phantom limb pain tend to have an image of their bodies as a complete and undamaged entity.

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Adaptation, Psychological Aged Body Image Data Interpretation, Statistical Female Humans Male Middle Aged Models, Neurological Observer Variation Pain Pain Measurement Phantom Limb Clinical Trial Comparative Study Controlled Clinical Trial Journal Article

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I Pucher, W Kickinger, O Frischenschlager. 1999. Coping with amputation and phantom limb pain.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3999(98)00111-1

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