Computer games relieve phantom limb pain: study

Lingering pain: Phantom limb pain occurs when nerve endings at the amputation site continue sending pain signals to the brain, making it think the limb is still there.

PARIS: Amputees who played computer games using a virtual, on-screen arm, experienced relief from the phantom pain that often afflicts people who have lost a limb, scientists said. 

Fourteen amputees who took part in a trial reported dramatic pain reduction after 12 sessions which saw them “using” their missing arm in virtual reality.