Phantom limb pain is a condition where someone feels pain in a limb that is no longer there. After an arm or leg is amputated, the brain and nerves can still send signals that make it feel like the limb is present. These signals can be mild or very intense, and they often feel like burning, stabbing or throbbing pain.
Phantom pain is different from a simple “phantom sensation.” Many people feel a sense of the missing limb, but pain makes it much harder to live with. For some, the pain comes and goes. For others, it is constant and disabling. Below are some key factors to remember.
Where and how does it happen?
Phantom limb pain can occur in any part of the body that has been amputated. While legs and arms are the most common, it can also affect fingers, toes or other body parts. The pain usually starts soon after the surgery, but in some cases, it can take weeks or months to appear.
Most amputations happen after serious injury or illness. In the U.S., a major cause is road traffic collisions. Car and motorcycle crashes can cause such severe trauma that surgeons have no choice but to amputate. These types of injuries are often sudden and life-changing.
Can you claim personal injury compensation?
If your amputation and phantom limb pain were caused by someone else’s negligence in a road accident, you may be able to claim personal injury compensation. A claim can help cover medical costs, rehabilitation and the emotional impact of losing a limb.
You may also be able to seek damages for long-term pain and loss of quality of life. Seeking legal guidance will allow you to learn more about your options.