As physicians, we refer to the remaining portion of an amputated limb as the “residual limb” and the missing part as the “phantom limb”. Many patients that have had an amputation still feel as though the missing limb is still present (called “phantom sensation”). Unfortunately, for many amputees the missing part of the limb can also be very painful (phantom limb pain) and is often described as burning, cramping, or in a clenched position. This is not the same as “residual limb pain” which is pain in the remaining physical limb which can also be painful at rest, with use or with pressure known as residual limb pain. PLP can disrupt sleep, impact quality of life, affect one’s mental health, and limit participation in daily activities.

Phantom limb pain affects up to 80% of amputees. Currently it is estimated that 1.6 million Americans struggle with PLP.

There is a corresponding section of our brains that is dedicated to each section of our body (i.e. there is one area in your brain dedicated to your right hand and another for your left hand). When one portion of the body is lost (let’s say your right hand), then that portion of the brain goes void. That void causes static and the brain struggles to know how to respond. Other areas of the brain can then try and “grow” into that area of the brain. This resultant static from the void in the brain causes pain known as “phantom limb pain”.

The first step is making the correct diagnosis. PLP must first be differentiated from residual limb pain as the treatments can be different. It is recommended you see a physician who specializes in amputee care to first make this diagnosis.

Once the diagnosis is established, traditional treatments include medicines and therapy. Medications do not help to cure the root cause, but rather try and help manage the symptoms. Often used medications include anti-inflammatories, Gabapentin/Neurontin, some antidepressant medications, and at times opioids. Therapy may include mirror therapy and Graded Motor Imagery, both of which target the brain with the goal of treating the cause not the symptoms alone.

At times, surgery on a painful remaining limb can also improve phantom limb pain. The most successful procedures for this tend to be Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) and Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI).

VR holds promise as the ideal treatment for PLP as it directly targets healing the brain through a scientifically sound approach. We have incorporated the best proven therapeutic treatments along with proprietary novel concepts based on our experience with hundreds of amputee patients to offer a novel technologic advancement. Given its highly immersive nature, at home unlimited use opportunity, and scientifically sound organization coupled with the ability for virtual therapist or physician support this comprehensive solution aims to prevent PLP in new amputees and treat the root cause in established amputees. We have termed this multi-phase approach to PLP Targeted Brain Rehabilitation (TBR). TBR allows patients to progress through the phases at their own pace, at home, with guidance of when to move forward based on improvements in pain.