What sensation does a patient experience in phantom limb syndrome?

Phantom limb syndrome is a condition where individuals who have undergone limb amputation experience sensations that the missing limb is still present. This phenomenon occurs due to the brain's representation of the body, known as the "body schema," which can continue to perceive the limb despite its physical absence. Sensations associated with phantom limb syndrome can vary widely, including feelings of warmth, coldness, itching, or even pain, but the hallmark sensation is the awareness that the limb is still there.

This lingering sensation is thought to arise from the brain regions that were once associated with the missing limb, leading to continued neurological activity even after the limb is gone. Consequently, the patient may report vivid feelings as though the limb is still functioning and connected to their body. Understanding this aspect of phantom limb syndrome is crucial for providing appropriate care and treatment options, including therapies designed to address these sensations.