Curious Cases Phantom Pain
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Dec 19, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Lynn Williams, an upper-limb amputee and qualified therapist, shares her personal journey with chronic phantom limb pain. She vividly describes the relentless sensations that disrupt her daily life and the array of treatments she's explored, including Botox and ketamine. The conversation dives into the neuroscience behind phantom pain, revealing the complexities of how the brain processes these unique sensations. Lynn emphasizes the importance of awareness and understanding for all who suffer from this perplexing condition.
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Phantom Pain Defined
- Phantom pain is experiencing pain that seems to come from outside your body after a limb is gone.
- People know the part is missing yet still feel sensations like itching, burning and pain.
Lynn’s Amputation And Ongoing Pain
- Lynn Williams lost her left arm above the elbow in 2009 after a malignant nerve tumour.
- She has experienced continuous phantom limb pain and sensations ever since.
Qualitative Description Of The Pain
- Lynn describes baseline crushing and burning across a phantom hand with swollen fingertip sensations.
- She also experiences sudden intense spikes that can knock her off her feet.