New research reveals how phantom limbs form
New Australian studies on how phantom limbs form show there is no default position that the phantom moves into after it forms. “Our research suggests that the state of nerves in the limb at the time the phantom is forming is very important in determining how the phantom develops,” say the researchers.
Because distortions of body image, such as phantom limbs, are difficult to treat, a better understanding of the mechanisms behind their formation will help developing more effective treatments.
Prof Simon Gandevia, Dr Lee Walsh, Neuroscience Research Australia, UNSW
http://www.neura.edu.au/news-events/news/new-research-reveals-how-phantom-limbs-form
