We have observed the exact cause of phantom pain is still unclear, but it appears to originate in the brain. The nerves that used to serve that limb apparently “rewire” themselves, which remaps the brain’s circuitry After an amputation,. During imaging scans, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) — specific portions of the brain show activity when the person feels phantom pain.
Here are the some of the “suggested” causes of phantom pain (the list is compiled from suggested causes discussed by amputees via the amputee listserv).
1. Prior experience with pain prior to amputation – If you have had continued pain with joints or muscles etc prior to amputation, this is thought to have a “phantom” effect post amputation.
2. Incorrect surgical procedure – Unless you live in a heavily populated area or in a part of the world that has a high population of amputees, chances are your surgeon (especially if traumatic amputation) may not be wholly experienced in post-traumatic amputations.
Whilst it is somewhat unfair to point the finger for such things at the inexperienced surgeon (at least your life was saved); incorrect surgical procedures have caused some amputees problems for many years after the original trauma.
