Phantom limb pain following amputation is thought to be primarily mediated by:

• A Central sensitization with cortical reorganization in the somatosensory cortex ✓
• B Neuroma formation at the stump causing peripheral sensitization only
• C Psychological maladaptation without neurophysiological basis
• D Spinal cord deafferentation causing autonomic dysreflexia

Explanation

Phantom limb pain has a complex pathophysiology involving both peripheral (stump neuromas, ectopic discharge from severed nerves) and central mechanisms. Current evidence emphasizes central sensitization and maladaptive cortical reorganization — the cortical representation of the amputated limb expands and is invaded by neighboring areas (e.g., lip representation expanding into hand area after upper limb amputation). This misrepresentation is strongly correlated with phantom pain intensity. Mirror therapy exploits cortical neuroplasticity to reduce phantom pain by providing visual feedback of the intact limb.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.