Phantom pain, denned as intense throbbing or burning pain in the missing distal limb, .is a common affliction after amputation. First described in 1872 by Ambroise Pare, the phenomenon is a common occurrence in 60-80% of amputees. Although some reports suggest abatement of phantom pain after a few years, others affirm it is long-lasting. In addition to phantom pain, the unfortunate patient may also experience pain in the residual leg (stump pain) for reasons such as osteomyelitis, excessive scar tissue, or neuroma formation. In numerous pharmacotherapy trials, opioids, ketamine, anticonvulsants, and tricyclic antide-pressants have provided only inconsistent relief.
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