Re: definition of phantom sensation?
George Boyer
Description
Collection
Title:
Re: definition of phantom sensation?
Creator:
George Boyer
Date:
12/3/2000
Text:
Dear Joan Cestaro - by all means please post the answer(s) you get to this
question, as well as naming the sources. Perhaps the man V. Ramachandran has
addressed this matter - he certainly has had trenchant things to say about
central points in the amputation phenomenon. I am very pleased to see you
using the term 'phantom limb sensation' rather than the ubiquitous 'phantom
pain'. Very important. Thanks and I look forward to learning of the response
to your question. George Boyer.
Addendum to my post to Joan Cestaro:
Joan - a further thought re your inquiry occurs to me: the amputee must be
made aware that the distinction between pain and discomfort is of very
great importance. Pain has the association of the physical injury which, for
the amputee, heals and is in the past. Discomfort is the more appropriate
term when dealing with some (perhaps most) phantom sensations. After an
amputation there are a host of different sensations, some totally new....some
of which, but only some, are painful. This distinction truly is central to
life after an amputation. Discomfort comes and goes, waxes and wanes....we
can live with some discomfort, especially knowing its changeableness.
Cheers, George Boyer.
Joan Cestaro, C.P. wrote:
> Does anyone have or know where I can get a working definition of phantom
> limb sensation? This is for a PT study that I am assisting and will need a
> reference. I am not looking for someone to make on up, I can do that! I
> need a referenced definition.
>
> We are also working on a good definition for chronic that will describe
> phantom pain and that will be easy for a lay amputee to comprehend. Have
> one, it's just not very readable. Again, this will need referenced.
>
> Last request is if anyone familiar with research studies might know of an
> established tool to evaluate pain. We are using the Neuropathy Pain Scale
> and would like to investigate others. John's Hopkins researchers mentioned
> 2 others they are currently using and we are hoping to get these soon. Any
> suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Joan Cestaro, C.P.
>
>
question, as well as naming the sources. Perhaps the man V. Ramachandran has
addressed this matter - he certainly has had trenchant things to say about
central points in the amputation phenomenon. I am very pleased to see you
using the term 'phantom limb sensation' rather than the ubiquitous 'phantom
pain'. Very important. Thanks and I look forward to learning of the response
to your question. George Boyer.
Addendum to my post to Joan Cestaro:
Joan - a further thought re your inquiry occurs to me: the amputee must be
made aware that the distinction between pain and discomfort is of very
great importance. Pain has the association of the physical injury which, for
the amputee, heals and is in the past. Discomfort is the more appropriate
term when dealing with some (perhaps most) phantom sensations. After an
amputation there are a host of different sensations, some totally new....some
of which, but only some, are painful. This distinction truly is central to
life after an amputation. Discomfort comes and goes, waxes and wanes....we
can live with some discomfort, especially knowing its changeableness.
Cheers, George Boyer.
Joan Cestaro, C.P. wrote:
> Does anyone have or know where I can get a working definition of phantom
> limb sensation? This is for a PT study that I am assisting and will need a
> reference. I am not looking for someone to make on up, I can do that! I
> need a referenced definition.
>
> We are also working on a good definition for chronic that will describe
> phantom pain and that will be easy for a lay amputee to comprehend. Have
> one, it's just not very readable. Again, this will need referenced.
>
> Last request is if anyone familiar with research studies might know of an
> established tool to evaluate pain. We are using the Neuropathy Pain Scale
> and would like to investigate others. John's Hopkins researchers mentioned
> 2 others they are currently using and we are hoping to get these soon. Any
> suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Joan Cestaro, C.P.
>
>
Citation
George Boyer, “Re: definition of phantom sensation?,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 6, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/215445.
