Phantom pain syndrome. History, pathophysiology and treatment

Objective. To analyze literature data on history of phantom pain syndrome, pathogenetic mechanisms and treatment. Material and methods. We reviewed the eLibrary, PubMed, Google Scholar, CyberLeninka and Cochrane Library databases, as well as electronic catalog of the Russian State Library. Analysis included reports from various periods with significant results for understanding phantom pain syndrome and articles with historical value. Results. The first mention of phantom pain syndrome dates back to the 16th century, but pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this pain syndrome continue to be clarified. Difficulties in selecting the effective treatment are largely due to involvement of numerous structures of peripheral and central nervous systems in pathogenesis of phantom pain. Various treatment methods are not always able to relieve patients of phantom pain. Conclusion. Current pathophysiological concepts of origin and chronic transformation of phantom pain syndrome indicate the need for medicinal and non-medicinal treatments to achieve favorable outcomes.