In this paper, we will discuss phantom limb pain (PLP) and propose an alternate form of treatment for PLP using prosthetic limbs. We will discuss two key ways in which prosthetics can be improved—through the use of 3D printed materials and the integration of electrical input and feedback systems—and refitted as PLP treatment. We will also describe the practical advantages of using prosthetics as a form of medical treatment and provide criticism of currently used treatment methods, such as mirror therapy and virtual reality (VR) therapy via the Oculus headset. In addition, we will explore four research studies that provide empirical evidence in support of the main argument, which is laid out in the Discussion section.
II. Introduction
Amputation can be debilitating in several ways. Not only do patients experience a physical loss of self and the accompanying emotional turmoil, but nearly 80% of amputees are plagued by sensations of pain originating from the limb long after its removal (Dzierla, …show more content…
Although the direct cause is unclear, PLP is only explainable as a function, albeit a maladaptive one, of the human nervous system (Makin et al., 2013). Though there are many theorized causes, one of the most widely accepted theories is that PLP results from a maladaptive function of the brain’s ability to create neural connections (Dzierla, 2014). The brain perceives the loss of limb as damage to the nervous system and will attempt to adjust to the changes. Therefore, it is likely that the resulting alterations in the brain central nervous system are the primary cause of PLP (Dzierla, 2014). However, in identifying the cause of PLP, researchers sometimes find changes not only in the somatosensory cortex post amputation, but in the amputation area as well. Therefore, both the central and peripheral nervous system (CNS and PNS, respectively) may play a role in PLP occurrence (Dzierla,
II. Introduction
Amputation can be debilitating in several ways. Not only do patients experience a physical loss of self and the accompanying emotional turmoil, but nearly 80% of amputees are plagued by sensations of pain originating from the limb long after its removal (Dzierla, …show more content…
Although the direct cause is unclear, PLP is only explainable as a function, albeit a maladaptive one, of the human nervous system (Makin et al., 2013). Though there are many theorized causes, one of the most widely accepted theories is that PLP results from a maladaptive function of the brain’s ability to create neural connections (Dzierla, 2014). The brain perceives the loss of limb as damage to the nervous system and will attempt to adjust to the changes. Therefore, it is likely that the resulting alterations in the brain central nervous system are the primary cause of PLP (Dzierla, 2014). However, in identifying the cause of PLP, researchers sometimes find changes not only in the somatosensory cortex post amputation, but in the amputation area as well. Therefore, both the central and peripheral nervous system (CNS and PNS, respectively) may play a role in PLP occurrence (Dzierla,