Phantom limbs

First described by a French doctor, Ambroise Pare, in the 16th century. Term coined by Wier Mitchell in 1866.
Phantom limb = persistent sensation of an appendage after its removal. Phantom pain = pain in the phantom limb.
Typical onset - within weeks or even days following amputation. Symptoms can persist for years. Incidence rate perhaps up to 80% of all amputees (Melzack, 1992).
Reports: appendage feels real, swinging arms during walking, sensation of watch or ring,
Pain: Crushing, burning, itching or shooting sensations, twisting of a foot, fingernails through the palm in a tight fist.

Earlier explanations

Mental psychosis resulting from the traumatic loss of a limb.
Sensations created by severed sensory neurons - a nodule (neuroma) forming near the end of the stump. Surgical removal of neuroma sometimes bring temporary relief, but the phantom limb always return.

Stimulation of the stump, electrical stimulation, massage, ultrasound applied at the stump, electric stimulation of the brain, pain-killers, LSD, hypnosis, psychotherapy and prefrontal lobotomies. Usually no permanent relief.