What does the term "phantom limb" refer to?

The term "phantom limb" refers to the phenomenon where an individual who has had an amputation continues to have sensations that the missing limb is still present. This often includes feelings of warmth, coldness, tingling, or even pain in the area where the limb used to be. This sensation can occur long after the amputation and is believed to result from changes in the brain's representation of the body and the nervous system's understanding of limb presence.

The experience of phantom limb sensations can vary widely among individuals, with some reporting these feelings as non-painful and others experiencing significant pain known as phantom pain. Understanding phantom limb sensations is important in both psychological and physical rehabilitation contexts for individuals who have undergone an amputation.