[Phantom limb pain syndrome: therapeutic approach using mirror therapy in a Geriatric Department]

Abstract

The clinical use of mirror visual feedback was initially introduced to alleviate phantom pain by restoring motor function through plastic changes in the human primary motor cortex. It is a promising novel technique that gives a new perspective to neurological rehabilitation. Using this therapy, the mirror neuron system is activated and decrease the activity of those systems that perceive protopathic pain, making somatosensory cortex reorganization possible. This paper reports the results of the mirror therapy in three patients with phantom limb pain after recent lower limb amputation, showing its analgesic effects and its benefits as a comprehensive rehabilitation instrument for lower limb amputee geriatric patients.

Keywords: Anciano; Elderly; Miembro fantasma; Mirror therapy; Phantom limb; Rehabilitación; Rehabilitation; Tratamiento espejo.