Phantom limb pain treated by electrical stimulation.

Twenty patients suffering from phantom limb pain were assessed for suitability for treatment by electrical stimulator implant to the peripheral nerve or the spinal cord. Twelve were so treated and seven obtained excellent and three partial relief of pain. One patient maintains excellent relief of pain by trancutaneous electrical stimulation. Factors that might influence the responsiveness of pain to electrical stimulation and the qualitative results from such treatment are discussed.