The purpose of this study is to identify the best treatment sequence and combination of acupuncture points for the treatment of phantom limb or residual limb pain in the traumatic/surgical amputee.
The purpose of this pilot study is to identify the optimum combination of acupuncture points and treatment sequence in the treatment of post amputation limb pain in terms of the change in Phantom Limb Pain (PLP) and/or Residual Limb Pain (RLP) as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the McGill Short Form Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Further, any side effects associated with the acupuncture treatment regimens, time requirements, and patient compliance with the treatment regimens will be estimated. Study participants will be randomized to one of three acupuncture treatments: Chinese Scalp Acupuncture, French Auricular Acupuncture, or a combination of both.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
21
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States
RECRUITINGPresence/absence of phantom limb pain (PLP) and/or residual limb pain (RLP) pre/post each treatment
Level (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]) of PLP and/or RLP pre/post each treatment
Level (VAS) of PLP and/or RLP one hour post each treatment
Presence/absence and level of PLP and/or RLP two weeks after final treatment
Changes in medication regimen during treatment period and after final treatment
Changes in sleep habits during treatment period and after final treatment
Any change in phantom limb sensation (PLP) after final treatment
Length of time for each treatment
Any discomfort associated with each treatment
Overall satisfaction at the end of the study
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