phantom limb pain

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a phenomenon characterized by the experience of pain, discomfort, or other sensation in the area of a missing limb or other body part, as a breast.

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Etymology

Origin of phantom limb pain

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Neuropathic pain resulting from damage to the nervous system, such as stroke and phantom limb pain, often doesn't respond to available treatments and can significantly impair physical and emotional function and quality of life.

From Salon • May 24, 2023

The fourth had so-called phantom limb pain after losing a leg.

From New York Times • May 22, 2023

They took "a bit of convincing," she says and spent a long time discussing all the pros and cons with her, including how she may be left with phantom limb pain.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2022

Connecting brain, mind, and body, Ramachandran theorized that in cases of phantom limb pain, the brain could be tricked into thinking the limb was still there.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

Her patients wanted to tell her about feeling their lives were ruined now that their bodies were, their phantom limb pain, their fear of suffering and dying.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge