Phantom Limb Syndrome Causes & Risks

Causes

The exact cause of of phantom limb syndrome is unknown. Presumably, the sensations are due to the brain’s attempt to reorganize sensory information following the amputation. The brain must essentially “rewire itself” to adjust to the body change.

Risk Factors

The following factors increase the chance of developing phantom limb syndrome:

• Preamputation pain. If there was pain in the limb before it was removed, a patient is more likely to experience phantom pain afterward.
• Blood clot in the amputated limb.
• Infection in the limb before amputation.
• Previous damage to spinal cord or peripheral nerves that supplied the affected limb.
• Adults more commonly than children.