scholarly journals Role of Potassium Ions Quantum Tunneling in the Pathophysiology of Phantom Limb Pain

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
Mustafa Alrabayah ◽  
Abdallah Barjas Qaswal ◽  
Aiman Suleiman ◽  
Lubna Khreesha
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Quantum Tunneling ◽  
Phantom Limb Pain ◽  
Tunneling Probability ◽  
Phantom Limb ◽  
Potassium Ions ◽  
Limb Pain ◽  
Theoretical Hypothesis ◽  
New Perspective

(1) Background: multiple theories were proposed to explain the phenomenon of phantom limb pain (PLP). Nevertheless, the phenomenon is still shrouded in mystery. The aim of this study is to explore the phenomenon from a new perspective, where quantum tunneling of ions, a promising field in medical practice, might play a major role. (2) Methods: investigators designed a quantum mathematical model based on the Schrödinger equation to examine the probability of potassium ions quantum tunneling through closed membrane potassium channels to the inside of phantom axons, leading to the generation of action potential. (3) Results: the model suggests that the probability of action potential induction at a certain region of the membrane of phantom neurons, when a neuron of the stump area is stimulated over 1 mm2 surface area of the membrane available for tunneling is 1.04 × 10−2. Furthermore, upon considering two probabilities of potassium channelopathies, one that decreased the energy of the barrier by 25% and another one by 50%, the tunneling probability became 1.22 × 10−8 and 3.86 × 10−4, respectively. (4) Conclusion: quantum models of potassium ions can provide a reliable theoretical hypothesis to unveil part of the ambiguity behind PLP.

Persistent Phantom Limb Pain

1981 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Dawson ◽  
Paul Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Phantom Limb Pain ◽  
Phantom Limb ◽  
Limb Pain ◽  
Personal Problems ◽  
Phantom Limbs

The role of psychological factors in 10 patients with painful phantom limbs was investigated by means of a questionnaire and interviews. The hypotheses were that the severity of pain would be positively correlated with their present personal problems and attitudes and with experience of pain in the limb before amputation. The first hypothesis was confirmed but the second was not.

scholarly journals Psychological Factors Associated with Phantom Limb Pain: A Review of Recent Findings

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xaver Fuchs ◽  
Herta Flor ◽  
Robin Bekrater-Bodmann
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Phantom Limb Pain ◽  
Phantom Limb ◽  
Body Perception ◽  
Limb Pain ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Emotional Factors ◽  
Pain Symptoms

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common phenomenon occurring after the amputation of a limb and can be accompanied by serious suffering. Psychological factors have been shown to play an important role in other types of chronic pain, where they are pivotal in the acquisition and maintenance of pain symptoms. For PLP, however, the interaction between pain and psychological variables is less well documented. In this review, we summarize research on the role of emotional, motivational, cognitive, and perceptual factors in PLP. The reported findings indicate that emotional factors modulate PLP but might be less important compared to other types of chronic pain. Additional factors such as the amount of disability and adjustment to the amputation appear to also play a role. Bidirectional relationships between stress and PLP have been shown quite consistently, and the potential of stress and tension reduction in PLP treatment could be further exploited. Little is known about the role of cognitive variables such as attention or expectation. Catastrophizing seems to aggravate PLP and could be targeted in treatment. Body perception is altered in PLP and poses a potential target for novel mechanistic treatments. More research on psychological factors and their interactions in PLP is needed.

scholarly journals Mirror therapy for phantom limb pain: Brain changes and the role of body representation

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 729-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Foell ◽  
R. Bekrater-Bodmann ◽  
M. Diers ◽  
H. Flor
Keyword(s):  
Phantom Limb Pain ◽  
Body Representation ◽  
Phantom Limb ◽  
Mirror Therapy ◽  
Limb Pain ◽  
Brain Changes

The role of coping in adjustment to phantom limb pain

Pain ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hill ◽  
C. A. Niven ◽  
C. Knussen
Keyword(s):  
Phantom Limb Pain ◽  
Phantom Limb ◽  
Limb Pain

scholarly journals 488 An Evaluation of Pain Related Outcomes Following Nerve Sheath Catheter Insertion after Major Lower Limb Amputations

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Vincenti ◽  
V Bhattacharya ◽  
N Kansal
Keyword(s):  
Pain Control ◽  
Phantom Limb Pain ◽  
Pain Scale ◽  
Phantom Limb ◽  
Limb Pain ◽  
Nerve Sheath ◽  
Stump Pain ◽  
Small Patient ◽  
Spurious Results

Abstract Aim Limb amputations have many post-op complications, including pain. The evidence supporting the use of nerve sheath catheters (NSC) to manage post-op pain is mixed. Current literature suggests NSC reduces post-op opioid requirements but does not reduce pain score, phantom limb pain or chronic stump pain. This study compared post-op pain in those with and without NSC after above knee amputations (AKA) and below knee amputations (BKA). Method Retrospective data from April 2014 – March 2017 was reviewed. Information regarding indication, anaesthetic, morphine requirement at 72 hours, phantom limb, chronic limb pain and a pain scale (1-10) at 24, 48 and 72 hours were collected. Results 32 patients were involved in the study. 11 had NSC for pain control. Of those patients without NSC, 43% experienced no pain. In comparison, 33% of those with NSC experienced no post-op pain. Phantom limb pain was experienced in a higher proportion of patients with NSC (18%) and in those with AKA (11%). 18% of patients with NSC experienced chronic limb pain, compared to 33% without NSC. 62% of patients with NSC required morphine at 72 hours and at higher dosages compared to those without. However, two patients used large amounts of morphine potentially giving spurious results. Conclusions Though limited by small patient group, patients with NSC were more likely to require morphine at 72 hours and at higher dosages but were less likely to experience chronic limb pain thus proving the role of NSC in post-op pain control.

Fluoxetine in Phantom Limb Pain

1993 ◽  
Vol 163 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parsley Power-Smith ◽  
Douglas Turkington
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
British Journal ◽  
Affective Disorder ◽  
Phantom Limb Pain ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Phantom Limb ◽  
Limb Pain

Complete recovery of phantom limb pain of five years' duration occurred in a 71-year-old man following treatment with fluoxetine. There was no coexisting affective disorder. Further research is indicated in view of the postulated role of lowered central 5-hydroxy-tryptamine activity in the genesis and maintenance of chronic pain.British Journal of Psychiatry (1993), 163, 105–106

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document