Understanding Amputations and Phantom Pain

One of the worst injuries an accident victim can face is amputation. While an amputation can severely affect an individual physically, it can also cause various emotional, psychological, and neurological consequences. Phantom pain is one of the most reported symptoms that amputation patients experience.

Many are surprised when you mention that you have pain in the limb that is no longer attached; however, it is a very real condition that patients should report to their doctors. If you or a loved one experienced an amputation injury because of another person’s negligence, you should connect with a personal injury attorney today.

What are traumatic amputations?

A traumatic amputation is the sudden removal of one of your body parts due to an injury or accident. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, traumatic amputations make up around 45 percent of all amputations. Therefore, amputations that occur due to some type of serious accident and injury account for almost half of all reported amputations.

What are the common causes of traumatic amputations in Huntsville?

If you lose a hand, foot, arm, leg, finger, or other body part due to a severe injury or accident, you have a traumatic amputation. The following are some of the most common causes of these types of amputations:

• Car accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Construction accidents
• Fire or explosion
• Workplace accident
• Defective product accident

Amputations usually happen in two ways. They can happen immediately at the accident scene when the limb is severed from the rest of the body or during treatment when a medical provider is unable to save the limb.

What is phantom limb pain?

Phantom limb pain is defined as “pain in your missing body part after an amputation.” Even though the limb has been removed, you can still experience pain in the area where it was once located. Phantom limb pain might feel like a strange phenomenon, but it is actually relatively common, and the pain is very real. According to a journal review published in ScienceDirect, between 60 to 80 percent of amputees experience phantom pain. Therefore, while it was originally believed to be a psychological issue, doctors and other professionals are now aware of how real, traumatic, and devastating phantom limb pain is. A few of the symptoms of phantom pain include:

• Chronic pain
• Tingling or pins and needles
• Shooting pain
• Burning sensations
• Crushing pain
• Twisting
• Vibration
• Warmth or coldness
• Itching
• Pressure
• Pinching
• Aching
• Stabbing pain

Doctors and other healthcare providers do not have an explanation as to why amputees suffer from phantom limb pain. However, it is believed to be caused by our nerves, brain, and spinal cord experiencing communication issues due to the limb no longer being there. As a result, the nervous system must learn how to adjust and adapt to such a huge change. This may cause disruption for some time, which may lead to phantom limb pain.

Is phantom pain a long-term issue?

Although most people experience phantom pain within the first six months after losing their limb, it can turn into a long-term issue. Some people report suffering from phantom pain for up to several years. However, if you inform your doctor about the pain and discomfort you are feeling, they may be able to help you find ways to manage and alleviate it. With doctors’ help, many people report a reduction in the severity and frequency of their phantom pain within a few months. Here are various factors that can cause phantom pain to occur more often and at intense levels:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Extreme tiredness or fatigue
• Infections
• Blood flow problems
• Swelling or inflammation
• Pressure was placed on the area around where the amputation occurred

How do doctors recommend managing phantom pain?

If you have phantom pain after losing a limb, your doctor may recommend several different methods to manage your symptoms, such as:

• Pain medications
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Mirror therapy
• Surgery
• Neurostimulation
• Massage therapy
• Meditation
• Acupuncture
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Biofeedback

If you or a family member suffer phantom pain from an amputation caused by someone else’s negligence, the Huntsville personal injury lawyers at Martin & Helms can help. We know and understand how an amputation and phantom pain can complicate a person's life, which is why we are dedicated to ensuring that you do not have to face the legal process alone. You likely have enough on your plate as you focus on healing and recovering. When you work with us, we take the burden off your shoulders, handle all challenges that arise, and pursue the best course of action to help you obtain the compensation you need to rebuild your life again. Call our office or submit our contact form to learn more about how we can begin assisting you today. Our team is based in Huntsville and Decatur and proudly serves Madison and Athens.