Abstract
The author is of the opinion that the phantom limb has its origin in the central nervous system and that various peripheral factors act to protect it. In other words, by psychological treatment according to the theory of conditional reflex phantom limb can either be obliterated or made to reappear.
Generally, it seems that the shift of phantom when it disappears is in the order of Type I to Type V, whereas when it reappears the order is reverse.
A newborn infant (or foetus) assumes the so-called normal standard limb position at flexion, and from this so-called normal limb position, by the accumulation of conditional reflexes various ADL toward manhood (adult) are developed.
Therefore, when the amputees are left untreated, it is possible to assume that the phantom limb reverses back to the so-called normal standard limb position.
From these considerations about the phantom limb so far described, it is natural to place a special emphasis on the following points: that the amputation should be planned with an utmost care, that positive functional training including psychological treatment should be given, that a superior artificial limb needs to be devised, and the early attachment of the artificial limb and training are urgent, that every effort should be made so that the person with amputated limbs may resume mentally and physically his daily activity in the society at ease. It is, therefore, cooperation on the part of the society inclusive of the social security and rehabilitation programs is vital.
