What term is used for pain that is felt in a limb that has been amputated?

Phantom pain is specifically the sensation of pain that occurs in a limb or part of the body that has been amputated. This phenomenon can include feelings of pain, warmth, itchiness, or other sensations that seem to originate from the now-missing limb. The phenomenon is believed to be related to the brain's representation of the limb; even after amputation, the brain can continue to process signals related to that limb. Despite its absence, the brain’s neural pathways that were once responsive to that limb remain, leading to the experience of phantom pain.

In contrast, referred pain is the phenomenon where pain is felt in a part of the body other than its actual source. Acute pain refers to the immediate and temporary pain that typically follows an injury or surgery, while hyperalgesia describes an increased sensitivity to pain or an exaggerated response to painful stimuli, which is not specifically linked to the experience of pain in an amputated limb. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurate pain assessment and management strategies.