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Phantom Limb Pain; Prevalence, Mechanisms and Associated Factors

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Amputation, Prosthesis Use, and Phantom Limb Pain

Abstract

This chapter reviews the literature regarding phantom limb pain (PLP) following limb amputation. Controversies exist over the incidence and prevalence, causes, mechanisms and management of PLP. Owing to a lack of effective treatment for the condition, interest has turned to the potential to pre-empt PLP. Pre-emption needs targets, and interest has focused upon pre-amputation pain. A lack of success with pain pre-emption has led to interest in other factors which may be associated with PLP. To ensure rigour, before addressing factors that are associated with PLP, it is necessary to tackle controversies within PLP. Each area of controversy will be reviewed with the final section concentrating on those aspects, inherent within an individual, that play a role in PLP development and/or maintenance.

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  1. Adult Nursing, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Cliff Richardson

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  1. Dept. Psychology, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom

    Craig Murray

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Richardson, C. (2009). Phantom Limb Pain; Prevalence, Mechanisms and Associated Factors. In: Murray, C. (eds) Amputation, Prosthesis Use, and Phantom Limb Pain. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-87462-3_10

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