Acupuncture for the Treatment of Phantom Limb and Residual Limb Pain After Amputation

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Amputees with traumatic/surgical amputation of a limb (greater than fingers or toes)
secondary to trauma or peripheral vascular disease

- Amputees who have been cleared to begin prosthetic fitting

- Phantom and/or residual limb pain reported must be >/= 3/10

- Active duty military or dependent eligible for military benefit >/=18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

- Congenital limb absence

- Pregnancy

- Any skin changes on the ear or scalp that would preclude placement of acupuncture
needles

- Patients intubated and unable to give consent

- Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnosed as greater than mild