Neuromodulation Techniques to Reduce Phantom Limb Pain in Adults with Limb Amputation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how different neuromodulation techniques can help reduce pain in people who have experienced upper or lower limb amputations. This study evaluates the use of electrical stimulation on peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, and motor cortex to manage phantom limb pain. The goal is to understand how these methods may relieve persistent chronic pain in this population. The study involves implanting electrodes in various locations depending on the neuromodulation method being tested. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation PNS implants electrodes near targeted peripheral nerves, Spinal Cord Stimulation SCS places electrodes in the epidural space near the spinal cord, Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation DRGS targets specific dorsal root ganglia, and Motor Cortex Stimulation MCS places electrodes over the motor cortex. Each method uses implanted devices to deliver electrical impulses aimed at altering pain signals. Participants will be monitored for up to one year, with assessments including pain levels using the Visual Analogue Scale VAS up to four months, and quality of life measured by the SF-36 up to one year. Other evaluations include sensory mapping, pain detection questionnaires, anxiety and depression scales, and sensory threshold tests. This comprehensive monitoring helps researchers understand the effects of neuromodulation on pain relief, mood, and sensory function in amputees.

Study of Phantom Limb Pain Suppression Using Neuromodulation Methods