Phantom pain, conceptual image. Computer illustration representing a patient's experience of phantom pain in an amputated hand. Phatom pain is caused by stimuli to the motor and pre-motor cortical areas of the brain (upper left) that were previously associated with controlling the amputated limb. The feelings of phantom pain can range from sensation of posture and presence, to movement, pressure, touch, heat and cold, itchiness and pain. Various treatments are possible, ranging from therapy to drugs and brain surgery.