Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy with Myoelectric Control for Treatment-resistant Phantom Limb Pain: Case Report

Conclusions: Currently available immersive virtual reality technology with myolectric and motion tracking control may represent a possible therapy option for treatment-resistant phantom limb pain. Keywords: virtual reality, phantom limb pain, rehabilitation, amputation, therapy, pain Innov Clin Neurosci. 2017;14(7–8):3–7 Phantom limb pain (PLP), the sensation of pain in an absent limb, is a frequent complication after amputation, with reported prevalence rates ranging from 40 to 85 percent.1,2 While the exact mechanism of PLP remains to be elucidated, peripheral and central neural factors are thought to contribute to this phenomenon.2 One current theory is that maladaptive neuroplastic changes in the sensory and motor cortices are associated with development of PLP.3 While no longer thought to be the sole cause of PLP, emotional factors also play a role in this condition. Significant psychological comorbidities have been noted among those with PLP, including anxiety (66%) and depression (41%).4 PLP is also a risk factor for developing depression in individuals with limb loss, with prevalence of significant depressive symptoms in this population close to 30 percent in a large cross-sectional study.5 Other risk factors for developing PLP include pre-existent pain, residual limb pain, and female gender.8 The prognosis for PLP is highly variable, with some patients having complete resolution of symptoms acutely, and others reporting chronic pain lasting for years.2 A variety ...
Source: Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Case Report Current Issue amputation pain phantom limb pain rehabilitation therapy virtual reality Source Type: research