Dataset Information

Phantom limb pain: a review of pharmacological management.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a complex condition resulting in pain in the missing limb affecting 60-80% amputees. Increasing number of patients are undergoing amputations. Approximately 1 per every 1000 people in the United Kingdom is an amputee. Incidence of PLP can be as high as 80% following amputation. PLP can be severe and difficult to treat. A range of pharmacological interventions exist yet little is known about them in respect to PLP. This article will address the effectiveness of both single pharmacological, therapy as well as drug combination therapy.

Methods

We reviewed all literature looking at the evidence for the efficacy of both single and combined pharmacological therapy in the management of phantom limb pain. Not all commonly prescribed analgesic agents have been studied in the use of PLP and in these cases, the evidence of their efficacy in neuropathic pain was reviewed.

Conclusion

It is difficult to draw definitive conclusions on the pharmacological management of PLP based on current available evidence. Most trials involved small cohorts and were not specific to the PLP. The trials which looked specifically at the PLP population gave conflicting results. Only the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist class demonstrated consistent positive results. Most notably ketamine did produce a reduction in pressure pain thresholds and pain windup associated with PLP, although the numbers in these studies remain small. This benefit was not demonstrated across all NMDA receptor antagonists. Combination therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in previous studies for neuropathic pain but this has never been tested specifically against a PLP cohort. Therefore, combination treatment of agents with proven efficacy in PLP such as opioid and gabapentin deserves a closer examination in a controlled study against a placebo as well as single drug therapy.

SUBMITTER: Hall N

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6194972 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Currently, there is neither a standardized mode for the documentation of phantom sensations and phantom limb pain, nor for their visualization as perceived by patients. We have therefore created a tool that allows for both, as well as for the quantification of the patient's visible and invisible body image. A first version provides the principal functions: (1) Adapting a 3D avatar for self-identification of the patient; (2) modeling the shape of the phantom limb; (3) adjusting the position of the phantom limb; (4) drawing pain and cramps directly onto the avatar; and (5) quantifying their respective intensities. Our tool (C.A.L.A.) was evaluated with 33 occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other medical staff. Participants were presented with two cases in which the appearance and the position of the phantom had to be modeled and pain and cramps had to be drawn. The usability of the software was evaluated using the System Usability Scale and its functional range was evaluated using a self-developed questionnaire and semi-structured interview. In addition, our tool was evaluated on 22 patients with limb amputations. For each patient, body image as well as phantom sensation and pain were modeled to evaluate the software's functional scope. The accuracy of the created body image was evaluated using a self-developed questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Additionally, pain sensation was assessed using the SF-McGill Pain Questionnaire. The System Usability Scale reached a level of 81%, indicating high usability. Observing the participants, though, identified several operational difficulties. While the provided functions were considered useful by most participants, the semi-structured interviews revealed the need for an improved pain documentation component. In conclusion, our tool allows for an accurate visualization of phantom limbs and phantom limb sensations. It can be used as both a descriptive and quantitative documentation tool for analyzing and monitoring phantom limbs. Thus, it can help to bridge the gap between the therapist's conception and the patient's perception. Based on the collected requirements, an improved version with extended functionality will be developed.