Chapter
The Science of Phantom Limbs
29:06 - 37:19 (08:12)
The concept of proprioception, which is our ability to feel and understand where our limbs are in space, is related to phantom limb pain, but follow-up studies have shown that it doesn't have a long-term effect. MRI studies have also shown that the region of the brain where an amputated limb was controlled is still active.
Clips
The brain's ability to keep track of our body's location in space through proprioception can potentially cause phantom limb pain if an individual has experienced pain in that limb before.
29:06 - 33:21 (04:14)
Summary
The brain's ability to keep track of our body's location in space through proprioception can potentially cause phantom limb pain if an individual has experienced pain in that limb before. The brain may still register pain in that limb even after amputation because it didn't get a chance to learn that the pain was gone.
ChapterThe Science of Phantom Limbs
EpisodeWhat's the deal with phantom pain?
PodcastStuff You Should Know
MRI studies have shown that the region of the brain responsible for a lost limb can still function normally, however, long-term effects of mirror therapy or other brain training methods have not been proven successful.
33:21 - 37:19 (03:57)
Summary
MRI studies have shown that the region of the brain responsible for a lost limb can still function normally, however, long-term effects of mirror therapy or other brain training methods have not been proven successful.