Doctors have devised a new way to treat amputees with phantom limb pain.
Using computer-generated augmented reality, the patient can see and move a virtual arm controlled by their stump.
Electric signals from the muscles in the amputated limb "talk" to the computer, allowing real-time movement.
Amputee Ture Johanson says his pain has reduced dramatically thanks to the new computer program, which he now uses regularly in his home.
After a below-elbow amputation he faced daily pain and discomfort emanating from his now missing arm and hand.
Over the decades he has tried numerous therapies, including hypnosis, to no avail.
Within weeks of starting on the augmented reality treatment in Max Ortiz Catalan's clinic at Chalmers University of Technology, his pain has now eased.
Max Ortiz Catalan, the brains behind the new treatment, says giving the muscles a work-out while being able to watch the actions carried out may be key to the therapy.
"The motor areas in the brain needed for movement of the amputated arm are reactivated, and the patient obtains visual feedback that tricks the brain into believing there is an arm executing such motor commands. He experiences himself as a whole, with the amputated arm back in place."
He says it could also be used as a rehabilitation aid for people who have had a stroke or those with spinal cord injuries.
No comments:
Post a Comment