Descriptions of the phantom limbs in literature
https://doi.org/10.17749/2077-8333/epi.par.con.2025.229
Abstract
Phantom is a false sensation, an illusion of the presence of a lost body part. A distinction is made between phantom sensations (painless phantom), phantom pain and amputation pain. Up to 98% of patients soon after amputation experience sensations in the lost body part: they feel warmth or cold, itching, pressure and even feel the position of the phantom limb in space. Often these sensations are accompanied by excruciating pain, significantly reducing the quality of life of patients. Descriptions of Phantom have been recorded since the beginning of the 16th century and are based on the stories of people with amputated limbs or from the retellings of doctors, and caused skeptical disbelief in some specialists. The review considers descriptions of phantom limbs in autobiographical and fiction literature and analyzes them.
About the Authors
D. I. Korabelnikov
Moscow Haass Medical Social Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Daniil I. Korabelnikov, PhD, Assoc. Prof., Prof.
Scopus Author ID: 7801382184.
5 2nd Brestskaya Str., Moscow 123056
Е. V. Tkachenko
Moscow Haass Medical Social Institute; Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Evgeny V. Tkachenko
5 2nd Brestskaya Str., Moscow 123056;
3 Gospitalnaya Sq., Moscow 105094
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Review
For citations:
Korabelnikov D.I., Tkachenko Е.V. Descriptions of the phantom limbs in literature. Epilepsy and paroxysmal conditions. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17749/2077-8333/epi.par.con.2025.229
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