Another inspired lunch conversation turned its way towards phantom limbs and amputation. Phantom limb pain is a well documented phenomenon, occurring in the majority (up to 80%!) of amputees. From wikipedia: "A phantom limb is the sensation that an amputated or missing limb is still attached to the body and is moving appropriately with other body parts." Sensations in the phantom limb are actually quite complex, and can respond to stimuli (for example, spilling a hot liquid on the non-existant limb). The literature, and associated research, considers this a neurological condition - that is, physically involving the brain and nerve responses.
At the other end of the spectrum is apotemnophilia, or Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID), a condition in which a patient has an overwhelming desire to amputate healthy limbs. I've read some pretty horrific stories of patients who were forced to self-amputate (or otherwise remove the limb) when doctors have refused to perform the surgery. In contrast to phantom limbs, BIID is treated as a psychiatric disorder, with no known underlying physical cause.
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3 comments:
Check out the Radio Lab episode "Where Am I?" in which VS Ramachandran talks about a very interesting approach to treating it. (Can be downloaded as a podcast from iTunes.)
Actually, check out all the episodes. They are amazing.
I liked this blog because is about a very funny comic and story.so I will buy some magazing about this.
Wow that is a perverse way of looking at it, for many people lose weight is a big deal, many people spend years trying to achieve their ideal look and weight.
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