The Application and Advancements of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Phantom Limb Pain

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmhs.202505214

Author(s)

Wenhao Li

Affiliation(s)

School of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Civil Affairs University, Beijing, China

Abstract

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common and difficult-to-treat type of chronic neuropathic pain experienced after amputation, posing a considerable challenge in clinical management. Conventional treatments—reliant on opioids and invasive nerve blockade—often yield limited efficacy and are associated with drug dependency, tolerance, and surgical complications. In recent years, attention has shifted toward the neuroplasticity of the central nervous system, prompting the exploration of non-invasive neuromodulation strategies. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method that uses time-varying magnetic fields to generate electric currents in targeted areas of the cortex, enabling precise regulation of neuronal excitability. This approach opens a novel therapeutic avenue by targeting the pathological neuroplasticity underlying PLP. This review provides an in-depth synthesis of current research on the underlying mechanisms by which TMS contributes to the management of PLP. Through systematic literature analysis, we examine the effects of different TMS parameters, stimulation targets, and protocols in clinical trials. Furthermore, we critically analyze methodological characteristics and limitations in existing research and propose future directions under the framework of precision medicine, providing valuable theoretical insights for optimizing PLP treatment strategies.

Keywords

Phantom Limb Pain; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Neuroplasticity; Neuromodulation

References

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