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Amputation, Prosthesis Use, and Phantom Limb Pain pp 157–173Cite as

Management of Phantom Limb Pain

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Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the management of chronic phantom limb pain (PLP) as it relates to the patient in the prosthesis clinic. The chapter begins with phantom pain assessment. Pharmacological therapies commonly used in the treatment of PLP will be discussed, with a review of the literature relating to success or otherwise of these medications. The side-effects of the drugs are highlighted, and the necessary advice to be given to patients is provided. What follows is a review of non-pharmacological therapies, beginning with Neuromodulation (TENS, spinal cord and deep brain stimulation). Psychological aspects of treatment are identified – how to recognise psychological distress; how to know when to refer on for psychological treatment and useful psychological interventions. The chapter concludes with suggestions for the holistic management of patients suffering from PLP. The role of mental imagery is highlighted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pain Research Institute in Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

    Kate MacIver

Authors
  1. Kate MacIver
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  2. Donna Lloyd
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kate MacIver .

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Editors and Affiliations

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

    Craig Murray

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MacIver, K., Lloyd, D. (2009). Management of Phantom Limb Pain. 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_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-87462-3_11

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  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-87462-3

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