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Date of Award
Spring 2020
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Murphy, Amanda
Abstract
Introduction: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a type of neuropathic pain associated with an amputated or missing limb and approximately 60% to 90% of those with a missing limb experience PLP. Pharmacologic treatment such as opioids or antidepressants and non-pharmacologic treatment such as transcutaneous nerve stimulation and acupuncture have provided relief for some. Mirror Box Therapy (MBT) , a non-pharmacologic treatment developed by V.S. Ramachandran, has shown to be a promising therapeutic solution to PLP, especially for those whose pain has not been relieved through other avenues.
Methods: A literature search of studies published between 2013 to 2019 was performed on PubMed, Sage Premier, and Google Scholar using the words “phantom limb pain” and “mirror box therapy”. Over 1,000 results were identified that address PLP with MBP. Of these results, 7 contributed data that matched the criteria presented.
Results: Studies of patients 18-years-old and older experiencing PLP who have done trials of MBT, with or without concurrent pharmacologic treatment, have shown to provide significant therapeutic relief.
Discussion: MBT is a simple, inexpensive, and accessible form of treatment for those with PLP. It has shown to reduce the intensity while also decreasing the duration of pain. Although there is no one unified theory as to the mechanism of PLP yet, MBT has shown to provide relief for whom pharmacologic treatments have failed. Further research to elucidate the relationship between PLP and MBT is needed to properly address this phenomenon and aid those who have not found significant relief.
Recommended Citation
Manga, Myers, "Efficacy of Mirror Box Therapy vs Pharmacologic Treatment In Phantom Limb Pain" (2020). Capstone Showcase. 37.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2020/pa/37
Additional Files
Manga, Myers. PICO poster references..docx (8 kB)References
Manga, Myers PICO presentation.pdf (10238 kB)
PDF of poster
Efficacy of Mirror Box Therapy vs Pharmacologic Treatment In Phantom Limb Pain
Introduction: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a type of neuropathic pain associated with an amputated or missing limb and approximately 60% to 90% of those with a missing limb experience PLP. Pharmacologic treatment such as opioids or antidepressants and non-pharmacologic treatment such as transcutaneous nerve stimulation and acupuncture have provided relief for some. Mirror Box Therapy (MBT) , a non-pharmacologic treatment developed by V.S. Ramachandran, has shown to be a promising therapeutic solution to PLP, especially for those whose pain has not been relieved through other avenues.
Methods: A literature search of studies published between 2013 to 2019 was performed on PubMed, Sage Premier, and Google Scholar using the words “phantom limb pain” and “mirror box therapy”. Over 1,000 results were identified that address PLP with MBP. Of these results, 7 contributed data that matched the criteria presented.
Results: Studies of patients 18-years-old and older experiencing PLP who have done trials of MBT, with or without concurrent pharmacologic treatment, have shown to provide significant therapeutic relief.
Discussion: MBT is a simple, inexpensive, and accessible form of treatment for those with PLP. It has shown to reduce the intensity while also decreasing the duration of pain. Although there is no one unified theory as to the mechanism of PLP yet, MBT has shown to provide relief for whom pharmacologic treatments have failed. Further research to elucidate the relationship between PLP and MBT is needed to properly address this phenomenon and aid those who have not found significant relief.