The problem of phantom pain

Abstract

Background. Considering the military situation in Ukraine, the number of patients with mine-explosive injuries has increased significantly, as a result of which the number of amputees experiencing phantom pain has progressively increased. Effective treatment of pain in patients with mine-explosive injury, phantom pain is of crucial importance in the modern conditions of health care for prognostic improvement of quality and length of life, prevention of chronic pain, optimization of symptomatic treatment, socialization and rehabilitation of patients. Taking into account the internal political situation in the country, the number of amputees is increasing, therefore researching the ways of treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering from phantom limb pain is an urgent task. Purpose – to investigate the results of the effectiveness and safety of treatment of acute phantom pain in military personnel, taking into account the developed personalized treatment and rehabilitation measures. Materials and methods. The study involved patients with mine-explosive injuries, among whom the vast majority were military personnel, who received treatment according to the local protocol at the base of the «Feofania» hospital, the total number is not disclosed due to military secrecy. The number of subjects with phantom pain was 35.9% of the total number of wounded military patients. Results. Pain intensity, sleep quality, symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), numerical rating scale (NRS) or pain drawing, neuropathic pain scale (the s-lanss pain score), phantom pain assessment scale (Limb deficiency and phantom limb questionnaire), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), pain anxiety symptom scale form 20, The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), PHQ9. Conclusions. The problem is relevant, the protocols work, predictors of pain, constitutional features, mechanisms of pain and psychological state should be taken into account, which requires further study