The Mystery of Phantom Pain: Why Does the Brain Feel Pain from Missing Limbs?

Have you ever heard of someone feeling pain in a body part that no longer exists? This strange feeling is called phantom pain. It’s when a person who has lost a hand, leg, or any other body part still feels as if it’s there, and sometimes, it even hurts.

In this blog, Dr. Jayesh explains what phantom pain is, why it happens, and what can be done to help—all in very simple words.

What Is Phantom Pain?

Phantom pain is when someone feels pain, itching, tingling, or pressure in a body part that has been amputated (removed). For example, if a person loses a leg, they might still feel like their toes are burning or cramping, even though the leg is no longer there.

This pain is very real, even though the limb is missing. It can be mild or very strong, and it may come and go or last for a long time.

Why Does It Happen?

This is still a bit of a mystery, but doctors and scientists believe the brain plays a big role.

When a limb is removed, the nerves that used to send signals from that body part are cut. However, the brain still remembers those signals. It’s like the brain is still “talking” to the missing limb, and it thinks the body part is still there.

Here are a few simple reasons why this happens:

1. Brain Memory

Our brain has a map of our entire body. This map stays in place even if a part is removed. So, the brain may continue to send and receive signals from that area, even when the body part is gone.

2. Nerve Confusion

After surgery, the nerves near the place where the limb was removed may become overactive or confused. They might send the wrong messages to the brain, making it think there is pain.

3. Changes in the Spinal Cord and Brain

The spinal cord and brain may rewire themselves after the limb is gone. But sometimes, this new wiring causes phantom signals, which the brain interprets as pain.

Who Can Get Phantom Pain?

Phantom pain can happen to:

• People who have lost a leg, arm, hand, or foot.
• People who have body parts removed due to injury, illness, or surgery.
• It can happen to children and adults alike.

Most people who have an amputation feel some kind of sensation in the missing limb. For some, it’s painless (just a tingle or pressure), but for others, it can be painful.

What Does Phantom Pain Feel Like?

People describe phantom pain in many ways:

• Burning or stabbing
• Cramping or squeezing
• Tingling or itching
• Feeling like the missing limb is in an unusual position

These feelings can come without warning or be triggered by things like stress, cold weather, or touching the area near the amputation.

Can It Be Treated?

Yes, there are ways to manage phantom pain. While it may not go away completely for everyone, treatments can help reduce it.

1. Medications

Doctors may give medicines like painkillers, nerve pain drugs, or antidepressants. These can calm the nerves and reduce pain.

2. Mirror Therapy

In this therapy, the patient looks into a mirror placed in a way that makes it seem like the missing limb is there. Moving the real limb while looking at the mirror tricks the brain into thinking the missing limb is also moving, which can reduce pain.