Study of Phantom Limb Pain Suppression Using Neuromodulation Methods

The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a 10 cm line used to measure pain intensity. One end of the line represents "no pain," while the other end signifies "worst possible pain." The line can be either horizontal or vertical.

The questionnaire consists of 36 items grouped into eight scales: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional well-being, and mental health. Each scale ranges from 0 to 100, where 100 represents full health. Higher scores indicate better quality of life, with two summary measures: physical and mental well-being.

The sensory mapping procedure involved evoking sensations in phantom hands through peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). Electrode pairs were selected, and stimulation parameters, with fixed pulse width and frequency were applied. Stimulation amplitude was gradually increased in 0.1-mA steps until participants rated their sensation intensity from 0 (no sensation) to 10 (uncomfortably intense). Upon reaching a score of 5, participants marked sensation location on a hand image and described the sensation's naturalness and intensity.

The questionnaire is intended for completion by a physician and combines a pain distribution diagram with a visual analog scale (VAS) and a section focused on identifying spontaneous and triggered neuropathic pain symptoms. It also assesses the nature of pain using the diagram, categorizing it as constant, episodic, or constant with episodes, among others. The questionnaire comprehensively reflects all possible pain parameters, allowing for clear tracking of pain dynamics over time. Its diagnostic accuracy is 83%.

The DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4) questionnaire is a diagnostic tool designed to identify neuropathic pain, caused by nerve damage. It includes 10 items divided into two sections. The first part consists of seven questions that assess the patient's pain symptoms, such as burning, tingling, electric shocks, or numbness. The second part involves a clinical examination where the physician tests for reduced sensitivity to touch and pinprick, as well as pain response to light brushing. Each item is scored with 1 point for "Yes" and 0 for "No." A total score of 4 or higher indicates a high probability of neuropathic pain.

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a widely used screening tool designed to assess anxiety and depression levels in patients in non-psychiatric hospital settings. It consists of 14 items, divided into two subscales: seven questions assess anxiety (HADS-A) and seven assess depression (HADS-D). The items focus on emotional and cognitive symptoms rather than physical symptoms, making it suitable for patients with medical conditions. Each item is scored on a scale of 0 to 3, with total scores for each subscale ranging from 0 to 21. A score of 8 or more on either subscale suggests the presence of anxiety or depression. The HADS is valued for its simplicity and reliability in clinical and research settings.

In this experiment, the goal is to determine the minimum stimulation amplitude that elicits a sensory response. Participants are shown the numbers 1 and 2 on a screen, with stimulation activated simultaneously upon the appearance of one of the numbers. Their task is to identify when the stimulation occurred and input their answer on a keyboard. An expanded version of the experiment may provide stimulation during both moments, requiring participants to determine which moment had a higher stimulation level. The results will yield a psychophysical curve that illustrates the relationship between response accuracy and stimulation amplitude, as well as the participants' ability to differentiate stimulation parameters. It is anticipated that over time, the sensory threshold will shift, leading to increased accuracy in parameter identification.

OPUS (Optimal Patient Utilization System) is a clinical decision support tool designed to enhance patient care through improved resource management and treatment efficiency. It utilizes advanced algorithms and data analytics to optimize patient scheduling, treatment pathways, and staff allocation within healthcare facilities. By analyzing patient demographics, medical history, and treatment outcomes, OPUS helps clinicians make informed decisions about resource allocation and care delivery. The system aims to reduce wait times, streamline operations, and improve overall patient satisfaction. Additionally, OPUS provides real-time feedback and reporting capabilities, enabling healthcare providers to monitor performance metrics and identify areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing the quality of care.

The Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ) is a standardized assessment tool designed to evaluate the functional and psychosocial outcomes of individuals using prosthetic devices. Comprising various domains, the PEQ addresses aspects such as mobility, activity level, and quality of life, allowing users to report their experiences and satisfaction with their prosthesis. The questionnaire includes specific items that gauge the user's perception of their prosthetic limb's comfort, functionality, and impact on daily activities. By providing a comprehensive view of the user's experience, the PEQ helps healthcare professionals identify areas for improvement in prosthetic design and rehabilitation strategies. The results from the PEQ can inform clinical decisions and enhance personalized care, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.