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Abstract:
Amputees often experience phantom sensations whereby touching
one area of the body evokes a sensation in the amputated limb. Such
referred sensations often maintain a precise topographical
arrangement for the missing limb and have been associated with
cortical reorganization. In this study a 23-year-old, right-handed
non-amputee presented with referred sensations. To determine if her
referred sensations were similar to those found in phantom limb
patients the subject was tested in 3 tactile stimulation
experiments. In Experiment 1 the dorsal surface of each hand was
stimulated and referred sensations were reported in the mouth.
Referred sensations were inconsistent in their mapping and failed
to maintain a topographic arrangement. Stimulation to the right
hand elicited ipsilateral referred sensations. Stimulation to the
left hand elicited ipsilateral and contralateral referred
sensations. In Experiment 2 the dorsal surface of each upper arm
was stimulated and referred sensations were reported in the
ipsilateral toes and maintained a consistent, but non-topographical
arrangement. In experiment 3 ventral and dorsal surfaces of the
waist were stimulated and referred sensations were reported in the
ipsilateral toes and maintained a consistent topographical
arrangement. The findings of Experiment 3 show a pattern similar to
those found in phantom limb patients, while Experiments 1 and 2
suggest not all of these referred sensations can be accounted for
with a phantom-type referred sensations model.
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