Treatment options are limited and there is no consensus among experts regarding which treatment is optimal. Pharmacologic options include opioids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants (amitriptyline, [TCA] and nortriptyline and desipramine [secondary amines]), pregabalin, and memantine (oral NMDA receptor antagonist). Non-pharmacologic treatment includes transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, sympathetic blockade, acupuncture, and virtual reality/mirror therapies. Of note, acetaminophen is NOT effective.
Phantom Limb Pain Treatment
- Pharmacologic: opioids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants (amitriptyline, [TCA] and nortriptyline and desipramine [secondary amines]), pregabalin, and memantine
- Non-Pharmacologic: TENS, deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, sympathetic blockade, accupuncture, and virtual reality/mirror therapies
References
- Sharon R Weeks, Victoria C Anderson-Barnes, Jack W Tsao Phantom limb pain: theories and therapies. Neurologist: 2010, 16(5);277-86 PubMed Link
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