TED Video on Phantom Limbs
The TED conference video on phantom limbs was one of the most interesting videos we watched throughout the class. Vilayanur Ramachandran’s research was incredible, especially they way in which he was able to help amputees by removing the pain they felt. By placing both arms in a mirrored box, the amputees were able to feel as though they were moving their amputated hands or arms. This removed the feeling of a clenched hand which was causing them pain. One of my dad’s good friends had his hand amputated after an accident where he works. He does not feel pain, but he says that every once in a while he can feel his hand as if it was still there. In these brief moments, he will forget that he ever lost his hand. It was interesting learning from the video that it is a common experience, as well as some of the psychology behind it.
The research done by Dr. Ramachandran is absolutely amazing. I would have never thought of using a visual stimulus in order to relieve pain and bring back memories of when the amputees had their limbs. They obviously experienced a huge amount of trauma and to help them with such a simple solution is astounding.
ReplyDeleteI also found it interesting, I never imagined that such a simple technique could be used to solve such a tremendous problem in the lives of amputees. I believe that more research should be put into this technique, because it is a reliable method of treatment.
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