TED-Ed: The fascinating science of phantom limbs - Joshua W. Pate

The video explores phantom limb sensations, which occur when individuals feel sensations in a limb that is no longer present. It explains that these sensations are due to a brain map of the body, which remains even after amputation. The video delves into the neural pathways involved and how changes in these pathways can lead to phantom pain. It also discusses the role of the somatosensory cortex in processing these sensations and how cortical representation can change. Treatments like mirror box therapy and prosthetics are highlighted, along with ongoing research to better understand phantom limbs and their implications for brain function.

What is a surprising fact about phantom limb sensations?

• They are only experienced by people who have lost a limb.

• They are always painless.

• They are only a memory of the lost limb.

• They can occur in people born without a limb.

What happens to neural pathways after a limb is amputated?

• They only carry signals to the spinal cord.

• They become more sensitive and can transmit distress signals.

• They remain unchanged.

• They completely disappear.

How does the brain's cortical map relate to phantom pain?

• It decreases representation of the lost limb.

• It has no relation to phantom pain.

• It increases representation, heightening sensations.

• It only maps the face and hands.

What is the purpose of mirror box therapy?

• To physically replace the lost limb.

• To remove the sensation of the phantom limb.

• To trick the brain into seeing the phantom limb.

• To increase the size of the phantom limb.

Why might prosthetics help with phantom limb sensations?

• They completely eliminate phantom pain.

• They are seen as separate from the body.

• They help patients view them as extensions of their bodies.

• They only provide cosmetic benefits.

What is a key question that remains about phantom limbs?

• Why do phantom limbs grow over time?

• Why do prosthetics not help with phantom pain?

• Why do some amputees not experience phantom pain?

• Why do all amputees experience phantom pain?

What insight can studying phantom limbs provide?

• They only help understand amputees.

• They reveal how the brain builds our perception of reality.

• They show that the brain cannot adapt.

• They prove that all sensations are objective.