What causes a phantom limb?

Question

What causes a phantom limb?​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phantom limb is caused by rewiring in the brain, specifically in the sensory and motor areas, after the amputation of a limb. The brain creates new neural pathways in response to the loss of sensory input from the missing limb, which can result in the sensation of the limb still being present. Emotional distress or hypnosis may contribute to the perception of the phantom limb, but they are not the primary cause. Similarly, irritation at the site of an amputation may contribute to phantom limb pain, but it is not the cause of the phenomenon itself.

What Causes a Phantom Limb?​

What Causes a Phantom Limb?