Effect of Mirror therapy with Tactile Discrimination Training on Phantom Pain and General Health post Amputation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University. Egypt. Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing Faculty, Jouf University, KSA.

2 Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt

3 4Family and Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt

4 Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University. Egypt.

5 Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University. Egypt

Abstract

Phantom pain is a common consequence of amputation, it is difficult to treat and usually associated with discomfort, impairment, interruption of daily activities, and declining general health. By engaging in mirror therapy and tactile discrimination training, one might lessen pain and other symptoms associated with psychological and physical complaints. The aim: To examine the effect of mirror therapy with tactile discrimination training on phantom pain and general health post amputation. Setting: Data were collected from neurological outpatient clinics of Menoufia University Hospital, Egypt. Design: Quasi- experimental design. Subjects: A purposive sample of 100 patients with phantom pain. Tools: Four tools were used to collect data: (I) A structured interviewing questionnaire, (II) Defense and Veterans pain rating scale, (III) General health scale and (IV) Self-reported compliance sheet. Results: Initially, 74% of the study group were complaining severe pain, but this percentage decreased to 54.0% and 44.0% respectively after two and four months. Also, 78% of the study group initially was dependent with poor physical ability, but after two months the percent decreased to 8% and was eliminated (0.00%) by four months. There was a significant negative correlation between the study group’s compliance and pain level and general health after 4 months. Conclusion: A noticeable phantom pain reduction with general health improvements among amputees after mirror therapy with tactile discrimination training was explored. Recommendations: The appropriate simple and cheap mirror therapy with tactile discrimination training should be implemented among all amputees for phantom pain reduction as illustrated in the current study.