Hi I do not know whether that specific study has been done, but that is my understanding of the dominant explanation for the phenomenon of phantom limb (pain or otherwise). That is, it is not due to peripheral stimulation of nerve endings but to some central activation that would, presumably, be in the corresponding area of the brain. Phantom limbs do eventually disappear (pain can be more intractable, I believe), with the sensation being first of the limb disappearing. For example, the foot would migrate up to the knee.
I'd be very interested in the answer to this question as well. Take care Jim James M. Clark Professor of Psychology 204-786-9757 204-774-4134 Fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 26-Jan-07 11:48 AM >>> Dear TIPSters, This morning a student asked me a question about phantom limbs that I am unsure of. The question was if, when a phantom "feels" pain, the corresponding area of the cortex lights up? Say for example, the phantom is an upper extremity--the right arm--and it experiences a sharp pain--maybe in the right digits. Would the corresponding area on the somatosensory cortex show activity? Is anyone aware of research on this question? I'm aware of the research on remapping of the cortex, but not on what happens in this case. Thanks, Carol Carol DeVolder, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology Chair, Department of Psychology St. Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa 52803 phone: 563-333-6482 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- To make changes to your subscription go to: http://acsun.frostburg.edu/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=tips&text_mode=0&lang=english --- To make changes to your subscription go to: http://acsun.frostburg.edu/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=tips&text_mode=0&lang=english
