A Narrative Review of the Use of Augmented and Virtual Reality as an Alternate to Traditional Mirror Therapy in Dealing with Post Amputation Phantom Limb Pain (PLP)

Abstract

This article reviews the existing data on the use of augmented and virtual reality in the treatment of post amputation phantom limb pain (PLP) in order to curb the shortcomings of the treatment modality already in place: traditional mirror therapy. PLP is a highly prevalent condition- as high as used in 65%-70% amputees, which has many therapies in place varying from medicinal options such as anaesthetics, drugs that help cure depression and injections of botulism toxin, inter-positional treatments such as stimulation of spinal cord, correctional surgery and more. Visio- dynamic approaches such as reflective surface therapy (mirror) and augmented reality treatments which attempt at normalizing the representation of the amputated limb from the cortex and improving the correlation between the authentic and anticipated sensory feedback.  Previous studies have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of traditional therapy using mirrors in post upper limb amputation PLP where a setup with a mirror is used to trick the mind of the patient in making the patient see a reflection of the good limb and exercising it to give the effect of exercise of the amputated limb, however because of its crude setup, it proves to have a few limitations which can be overcome using virtual reality. Virtual reality is integrating in our lives today as video games and simulations. It has a lot of application in diagnosing, prophylaxis and treatment. Virtual reality is a boon to the medical field in the sense that it allows one to visualize and practice endlessly without needing any additional resources. Incorporating VR into the treatment, patient centered holistic care can be achievable and patient's quality of life and satisfaction can be improved.