Question

A 60-year-old patient who has diabetes had a below-knee amputation 1 week ago. the patient asks “why does it still feel like my leg is attached, and why does it still hurt?” the nurse explains neuropathic pain in terms that are accessible to the patient. the nurse should describe what pathophysiologic process?

Answer 1

The pain and feeling of numbness is normal this is called phantom pain. the brain is still sending signals that the leg is still there which is why she is having pain, the phantom pain is normal and is expected to decrease in time