Talk to the hand: Human brain can rewire itself after traumatic bodily injury
When the brain is deprived of input from a limb following amputation, it reorganizes its neural map and reroutes the function to the remaining limb.... Read More...
amputation
Electronic glove offers ‘humanlike’ features for prosthetic hand users
Researchers have developed a sensor-instrumented glove for prosthetic hand controls which can sense pressure, temperature, and hydration using electronic chips sending sensory data via a wristwatch. ... Read More...
Hit it where it hurts: Scientists reveal how mirrors cure phantom pain
Visual responsiveness in the somatosensory cortex diminishes significantly following mirror therapy for phantom limb pain. Before therapy, researchers discovered a strong, unexpected activation in the sensorimotor foot region of amputees to visually presented images of the foot. This response was no longer present following mirror therapy.... Read More...
Scientists Find Worms that Recently Evolved the Ability to Regrow a Complete Head
At least four species of marine ribbon worms independently evolved the ability to regrow a head after amputation.... Read More...
Phantom Limb Sensation Explained
A new study reveals functional changes occur among sensitive and motor brain regions following amputation. The findings shed new light on why some people feel phantom limb sensations following the loss of a limb.... Read More...
Brain Hand Map is Maintained in Amputees with and Without Phantom Limb Sensations
A new MRI study reveals the brain retains neural 'fingerprints' of a missing hand, decades after amputation and regardless of whether the person experiences phantom limb sensations. ... Read More...
Rerouting Nerves During Amputation Reduces Phantom Limb Pain Before it Starts
Researchers report using primary targeted muscle reinnervation during amputation helps to reduce, and in some cases, prevent phantom limb and stump pain in patients.... Read More...
Amputation Injury is Communicated to Opposing Limbs
Researchers report that following amputation of one limb, the bioelectrical properties are immediately reflected in the undamaged, opposing limb.... Read More...
New Theory for Phantom Limb Pain Points the Way to More Effective Treatment
Researchers present a new theory which states, following amputation, the neural circuitry connected to the missing limb becomes entangled with other neural networks, specifically ones responsible for pain perception.... Read More...
New Techniques Show Prosthetics Users Rely on Intact Limb
A new study that utilized electronic sensors discovered prosthesis users rely more heavily on their intact limbs to perform every tasks in their daily lives.... Read More...
Surgical Technique Improves Sensation and Control of Prosthetic Limbs
Researchers have developed a new neural interface that is able to relay commands from the central nervous system to a robotic prosthesis.... Read More...
A Way to Restore Movement Sensation in Upper Limb Amputation Patients
Researchers have developed a new method of restoring movement sensation for upper limb amputees. The researchers used small robots to vibrate muscles in order to 'turn on' movement sensations.... Read More...