Mirror Box Therapy

A visual method for Phantom Pain and

Sensation

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 Did you know that …
• People who lose a limb often perceive sensations in
the limb that has been lost?

• Phantom limb often have feelings of pain, pressure,

burning, itching or feels frozen?

• It can occur from right after the amputation till more

than 8 years after?

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The phantom limb
may feel shorter,
longer,
thicker,
thinner,
or…

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12/5/2018
have gaps in it… 4
 Mr Nam, 1 year
after an accident
at work

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 The brain is busy reorganizing!

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 A normal presentation of body parts in
the brain

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The presentation in the brain cortex…

12/5/2018 …is changing 8

 The reorganization is
responsible for
phantom limb
sensation or pain

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For instance fingers are
represented on cheek
and stump

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“ When my
finger is
itching
now, I
know
exactly
where to
scratch”

12/5/2018 Mr Bounsy, 37 years after

11 a
UXO incident
The phantom limb is a creation of the brain.
Satisfy the brain by manoeuvring the image
And make oneself believe that the phantom limb exist

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 By looking into the mirror…

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….and moving the remaining arm in the box you
can be 'fooled' into thinking to move the
amputated one

Make e.g. symmetrical

motions using both
hands

Such as “conducting
an orchestra”

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 The patient gets visual feedback that the
phantom is obeying the brain’s commands

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It allows the phantom to “move.”
The sense of control and movement reduces phantom
pain

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 Try
out the mirror box

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