Coping with amputation and phantom limb pain

Phantom limb pain is a common, distressing phenomenon that can occur after the amputation or denervation of a part of the body. No conclusive etiological models or theories have emerged, al though the problem was identified some time ago. This empirical-diagnostic study deals with correlations between coping with limb loss, body image, and the occurrence of phantom limb pain. It is based on Melzack's concept of a neuromatrix. Coping strategies were evaluated using semistructured interviews and analysis of patients' drawings of their body images. The results of the study, based on 43 amputees, show a significant association between coping strategies and pain. Patients who cope better with the loss suffer less from phantom limb pain. A difference can also be noted in subjective representation of the body image: patients suffering from phantom limb pain tend to have an image of their bodies as a complete and undamaged entity. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.