Banish Phantom Pain With Targeted Nerve Treatment
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Studies have shown that up to 82% of people living with limb loss in the U.S. develop phantom limb pain within one year of their amputation. Phantom limb pain refers to pain felt in the limb that has been surgically removed. The intensity of this pain can vary, ranging from mild tingling to debilitating, persistent pain. But phantom pain isn’t limited to individuals with limb loss; people with paraplegia or quadriplegia can experience this sensation, too. This was the case for veterinarian Betsy Helbing Garza.
Garza shared with WishTV.com that she has been unable to walk for the past 15 years due to a spinal injury, but she doesn’t let her wheelchair stop her from attending to her furry patients and family. However, a sharp, shooting pain in her legs—similar to being electrocuted—started to develop about two months after her injury.
According to neurosurgeon Scott Falcid, the root of phantom pain lies in malfunctioning nerve pathways. In an interview with WishTV.com, he explained that such pain occurs when nerve cells, which process sensory information, become overly active after an amputation or injury. This happens because the body attempts to heal by regenerating the severed nerves.
However, in the case of limb loss, the nerves have nothing to regenerate to, leading to the formation of a neuroma, which is a disorganized growth of nerve cells at the end of the severed nerves. This neuroma can become overly sensitive and send incorrect signals to the brain, which can be interpreted as pain or a sensation indicating that the missing limb is still present.
Surgeons like Dr. Falcid now use advanced imaging to accurately locate the overactive nerves that trigger pain. Dr. Falcid explains that this procedure is performed under an operating microscope. After pinpointing the affected nerves, the surgical team inserts electrodes into those specific areas and administers radiofrequency heat, which disrupts the pain signals sent to the brain.
Just a few days after the procedure, Garza reported not only reduced pain but the complete absence of discomfort.
How it works
This method is known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA). It employs high-frequency electrical currents to create heat, which in turn forms a small, controlled lesion on the nerve. This targeted lesion halts the transmission of pain signals, offering significant relief for the patient.
RFA is particularly useful for managing chronic pain and has been applied to a variety of conditions, such as phantom limb pain. The precision provided by the operating microscope ensures that only the intended nerves are treated, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
The bottom line
Targeted nerve treatment through radiofrequency ablation presents a promising solution for individuals suffering from phantom limb pain and other chronic pain conditions. As research and technology advance, innovative treatments like RFA could revolutionize how we manage pain and significantly enhance the quality of life for countless individuals.
