Phantom limb pain (PLP) following amputation is thought to arise primarily from:

• A Peripheral neuromas at the stump generating ectopic discharge
• B Cortical reorganization of the somatosensory cortex and maladaptive central sensitization ✓
• C Residual limb ischemia causing referred pain
• D Psychological somatization in anxious patients

Explanation

Phantom limb pain is now understood to be primarily a central phenomenon involving cortical remapping. After amputation, the somatosensory cortical representation of the amputated part is invaded by adjacent cortical territories; this maladaptive reorganization correlates strongly with PLP intensity. Although peripheral stump neuromas (A) contribute via ectopic afferent discharge, they cannot fully explain PLP. This central mechanism underlies treatments such as mirror therapy, graded motor imagery, and virtual reality, which reverse maladaptive cortical reorganization and reduce PLP.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.