None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Phantom limb sensations are well-known phenomena, occurring in up to 55-80% of amputees. A subset of these individuals experience a neuropathic pain syndrome known as phantom limb pain (PLP), which can occur from days to years after amputation. This can be both psychological and physically draining for amputees. The vestibular (balance) system is widely integrated within the somatosensory system and is thought to modulate the perception of neuropathic pain. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) for alleviating PLP. Activation of the vestibular system by CVS may represent a novel, safe and alternative therapy for patients suffering from PLP.
Interventions
For the intervention group, ice cold water will be delivered via a plastic cannula to the external ear canal of the right ear, for 3 minutes. Water will be delivered continuously by gravity feed and under direct visual observation. After a 5 minute interval, this will be repeated for the contralateral (left) ear. Timing will be monitored by a digital stopwatch. The procedure will be performed by a medical officer. The intervention will be delivered in a single session at a rehabilitation facili
For the intervention group, ice cold water will be delivered via a plastic cannula to the external ear canal of the right ear, for 3 minutes. Water will be delivered continuously by gravity feed and under direct visual observation. After a 5 minute interval, this will be repeated for the contralateral (left) ear. Timing will be monitored by a digital stopwatch. The procedure will be performed by a medical officer. The intervention will be delivered in a single session at a rehabilitation facility.
Sponsors
Minh-Son To
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Amputees (upper and/or lower limb, unilateral or bilateral, due to any cause Painful phantom limb(s)
Exclusion criteria
Cognitive impairment Difficulties with speech or communication Ongoing or history of ear perforation Active otitis externa or otitis media
Outcome results
None listed