Abstract
Following amputation or lesion in somatosensory pathways, phantom limb pain (PLP) often occurs. Evidence has accumulated that PLP might be a phenomenon of the CNS that is related to plastic changes at several levels of the neuraxis and especially the cortex. Here, we discuss four topics about PLP. First, an intimate relationship between PLP and somatotopy in the primary somatosensory (S1) and motor (M1) cortices; second, using the intact hand for sub-objective assessment of phantom limb perception; third, analgesic effect of mirror visual feedback treatment on PLP and its supraspinal mechanism; and fourth, future therapeutic approach for PLP and other neuropathic pain conditions, being developed by robot engineering. In the present report, we suggest an important role of sensorimotor integration for treating PLP, which has strong potential to induce re-reorganization of somatotopy in S1 and M1.
