Open AccessContralateral Stimulation, Using TENS, of Phantom Limb Pain: Two Confirmatory Cases
Author(s) -
Giuffrida Orazio,
Simpson Lyn,
Halligan Peter W.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
pain medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.893
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1526-4637
pISSN - 1526-2375
DOI - 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2009.00705.x
Subject(s) - medicine , amputation , phantom limb , physical therapy , phantom limb pain , visual analogue scale , randomized controlled trial , phantom pain , physical medicine and rehabilitation , upper limb , surgery
Objectives. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of trans‐electric nerve stimulation (TENS) for phantom limb pain applied to contralateral limb (nonamputated limb). Design. Two detailed single case studies using TENS on the contralateral limb are reported in a longitudinal study with one‐year follow‐up. Five variables were measured across this period. The study comprised of five sequential stages (Pre‐assessment, Preliminary baseline, Start of intervention, Extended assessment, One‐year follow‐up). Setting and Patients. Patients were identified at the Rookwood Hospital in Cardiff. They subsequently received regular home visits. The first patient was a 24‐year‐old male who had suffered a left below‐elbow amputation following a car crash. The second patient was a 38‐year‐old male who had a transfemoral right amputation further to a viral infection. Measures. The following semistructured interview and questionnaires were used: McGill Comprehensive pain questionnaire part A and B; The Cambridge Phantom Limb Profile; The Groningen Questionnaire: Problems after Arm Amputation; and 13 Visual Analog Scales. Conclusions. Both patients showed a significant improvement in their perception of phantom limb pain and sensations that was maintained at one‐year follow‐up. A randomized blinded controlled trial to confirm these positive outcomes is required.