Phantom Experiences Following Amputation in Childhood

When a person has lost an arm or leg in an accident, or as the result of surgery, he typically continues to feel the lost extremity as if it were still present. On first awaking from the anaesthesia such a patient may not believe that the leg has actually been removed until he can convince himself by looking under the covers. Even once he knows beyond doubt that it is gone, the foot of the amputated leg may itch and, as he reaches down to scratch it, he reaches for an empty space. He may feel the bed sheets on the arm or leg, he may feel a mild, perhaps pleasant tingling, a phenomenon which Henderson and Smyth regard as basic (Henderson and Smyth, 1948), or, more rarely, he may have pain. He may feel that he can wiggle his fingers or toes, flex or