Phantom Limb Pain (peripheral nerve changes).
Limbs full of sensory neurons, most pathways remain after amputation
At site of amputation there are severed nerve endings -> endings can thicken & become more sensitive -> transmit distress signals (even in response to mild pressure) - normally inhibited by dorsal horn
In somatosensory cortex, representation of amputated is still present -> increased representation (phantom limb pain)
Overtime area of cortex representing amputated limb may shrink & pain stops