3D system 'moves' phantom limbs

A computer program has been designed to allow amputees to see and move a 3D "phantom limb".

A small study by researchers at the University of Manchester found the device could help people with phantom limb pain. Previous research showed that if a person's brain is "tricked" into believing they can see and move a "phantom limb", pain can decrease.

The researchers say one patient saw her pain ease after just one session.

Dr Craig Murray, of the School of Psychological Sciences who led the research, said: "Although there isn't compete agreement on how phantom limb pain is helped by the mirror box or our virtual reality system, one theory is that the brain is being tricked."

Phantom limb pain or sensation is really a fascinating phenomenom. It is experienced both by amputees and by children born without a limb. This suggests that our perceptions of our limbs are "hard wired" into our brains. Go here for more information. These perceptions which can be painful could also be helpful in transitioning amputees to electrical prosthetics.