The effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing on phantom limb pain in patients with amputation

It has been estimated that more than 50% of patients suffer from phantom limb pain after amputation. Present study was conducted to identify efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing on the phantom limb pain of patients with amputation. Materials and Methods: present study is semi-experimental in nature. 20 patients with amputation suffered from phantom limb pain and were under pharmacological therapy for long time selected by available sampling (2012-2013). EMDR method applied for each patient individually at consultation room of BU-ALI SINA hospital during six sessions per one hour for nine weeks. In each session, Numeric Rating Scale was completed by the patients before and after intervention. In order to collect data, demographic and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) questionnaire were used. Data gathered during six therapeutic sessions were analyzed by using SPSS 16 software as well as the descriptive statistics and the statistical tests including paired - t-test, Chi square. Results: Mean phantom limb pain in 20 patients was 7.95 ±1.63 before intervention and it was 2.25 ± 1.25 after intervention, which using with paired T test showed an statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Conclusion: The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is effective, useful and non-invasive method for treatment and reducing phantom limb pain in patients with amputation.

Journal

English

Mohammad Behnam Moghadam
Tahmineh Salehian

Moghadam, M. B., & Salaehian, T. (2014). The effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing on phantom limb pain in patients with amputation. Life Science Journal, 11(9), 519-522