Phantom Limb Syndrome Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms occur in people who have had a limb removed and people who are born without a limb. The symptoms are perceived in a limb that does not exist.

Symptoms include:

• Pain (by far the most common)
• Pleasure
• Sensation of an article of clothing or jewelry
• Sensation that the limb is still attached and functioning normally

Diagnosis

Following an amputation, it is important to tell your doctor if you experience pain or other sensations. Earlier treatment generally improves the chances of success.

There is no medical test to diagnose phantom pain. Your doctor will take a medical history, do a physical exam, and especially want to know about the signs, symptoms, and circumstances that occurred before and after the removal of the limb.