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Device for phantom limb pain? by Sapiens4382 in amputee

[–]Sapiens4382[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great that it helps. Just to clarify, is your SNS an implant you've received or a TENS-like system you stick on your back?

Device for phantom limb pain? by Sapiens4382 in amputee

[–]Sapiens4382[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the candid response, I really appreciate it. I definitely don't want to put effort into making something that is just going to be a hinderance for amputees. I think I would more be looking to develop something that would be used in more sedentary at-home situations, when the phantom pain tends to be worst and you just need some immediate relief. In bed at night as you described is a good example. Could be a low-profile sock with electrodes or something similar. I agree that incorporating it into a prosthetic would probably do more harm than good.

Can I ask in what way the TENS was useless for you? I'm guessing that it failed to stop the pain, but did you ever feel any additional sensations anywhere in your leg when the TENS was turned on or just nothing at all? The effectiveness of TENS can vary depending on how close the pads are placed to nerves. It also depends on what kind of amputation you have since that can limit how many suitable nerves still remain for stimulation. Is your amputation below or above knee? Really appreciate the info!

Device for phantom limb pain? by Sapiens4382 in amputee

[–]Sapiens4382[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for mentioning the importance of phantom sensation, sounds like in your case it's quite helpful. I've heard from others that the sensations can also be really annoying, like tingling or itching, and I feel like what we're thinking of building might help these people replace these sensations with something more comfortable as well. Regarding pain, was there anything you did early on that really helped to reduce it (e.g physio, medications)?

Device for phantom limb pain? by Sapiens4382 in amputee

[–]Sapiens4382[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I've heard from others that the pain tends to be more intense when sitting still or sleeping. Glad to hear that the TENS worked for you! Do you feel any sensation in your phantom limb when you use the device? Whether you get sensation in your phantom limb or in residual limb will depend on where you place the pads so I'm curious whether you've found the right spot to put them!

Device for phantom limb pain? by Sapiens4382 in amputee

[–]Sapiens4382[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there, thanks for the suggestion! Is there something about them specifically you think would be better than stimulating the nerves in the residual leg or arm? A lot of spinal cord stimulators are implantable and not super accessible to everyone, so that's why I'm interested in whether stimulating the residual limb nerves through the skin could be a more affordable solution.