$Unique_ID{BRK02056}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{"Phantom Limb" Sensations After Amputation}
$Subject{amputation insurance coverage phantom limbs natural phantom pain
painful phantom limb neuroma nerve nerves tumor tumors cortisone procaine
local anesthetic stump}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


"Phantom Limb" Sensations After Amputation


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QUESTION:  I believe doctors have a special name for this, but it occurs when
some one has had an amputation and still feels that the leg is there.  I need
to know if there is any real cause for this, aside from mental, and what if
anything can be done about it?  Can you tell me if insurance can pay for the
treatment?  Thank you for any help you can give me.

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ANSWER:  The name of the condition is "phantom limb", and it is a most
frequent occurrence in people who have had a surgical removal of a limb.  The
sensation is divided into two classes, "natural" and "painful".  In the
natural syndrome, the limb feels as if it is still there and moves along with
the stump and there may be a slight tingling sensation associated with it.  In
the painful syndrome, the patient may feel as if the toes or fingers were
curled and cramped, and can't be straightened.  The natural phantom sensation
may take as long as 2 to 3 years to disappear.  Both types of phantom limb can
be the result of psychological and emotional origins, but the painful type may
have an organic cause as well.  A neuroma (nerve tumor) may develop within the
stump and this can often be helped by injections of cortisone or procaine (a
local anesthetic).  Protecting the end of the stump from irritation may also
provide relief.  Your type of insurance and the reason for the amputation
will dictate whether or not you have coverage for treatment, but my guess is
that it will.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.