A contemporary view on the problem of pathogenesis and treatment of phantom pain syndrome

Phantom pain syndrome (PPS) occurs after the amputation of various organs, most commonly limbs, and is associated with maladaptive neuroplastic changes in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Since the first description of PPS clinical features by the French military surgeon Ambroise Paré in the 16th century, the number of studies on this issue has grown annually. However, despite significant advances in understanding the mechanisms of PPS development, clear predictors of its onset is still unknown, and the effectiveness of current therapies remains insufficient. Treatment requires a multimodal approach combining pharmacotherapy (including antidepressants, gabapentin), non-pharmacological methods, and interventional procedures.