How can phantom limb pain after an amputation be treated?

Treating phantom limb pain is not always easy. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants have been found to relieve nerve pain. Narcotics are often prescribed for pain management.

Stimulating the nerves and the spinal cord with mild electrical currents is also used. Sending weak currents near the painful region can help to cover up the pain signals.

Mirror therapy - where a reflection in a mirror tricks the brain into thinking the limb is there again and free from pain - is used frequently to deal with phantom limb pain.

Surgeries to stimulate the brain or to ease the nerves are more complicated measures that doctors may take to help relieve the pain.