What is a phantom limb?

Question:A phantom limb is the feeling that you still have a limb that has been amputated. It might be a feeling of pain, or just the feeling that the limb is there. It is often used as a metaphor in literature as well. Someone you lose in a relationship might be referr3ed to as a phantom limb, suggesting that you were onced connected spiritually and can still feel their presence, even though you are no longer together.

I had a buddy once who said that he still felt like his fingers were flexing and unflexing, even though he had lost almost his entire arm in a farming accident. This can happen with hearing as well, (Tinnitus) and even sight as your brain helpfully tries to replace the missing neural input that it thinks should be there after the actual nerve is severed or destroyed.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: A phantom limb is the feeling that you still have a limb that has been amputated. It might be a feeling of pain, or just the feeling that the limb is there. It is often used as a metaphor in literature as well. Someone you lose in a relationship might be referr3ed to as a phantom limb, suggesting that you were onced connected spiritually and can still feel their presence, even though you are no longer together.

I had a buddy once who said that he still felt like his fingers were flexing and unflexing, even though he had lost almost his entire arm in a farming accident. This can happen with hearing as well, (Tinnitus) and even sight as your brain helpfully tries to replace the missing neural input that it thinks should be there after the actual nerve is severed or destroyed.