MURAL - Maynooth University Research Archive Library



    Phantom sensations in people with complete spinal cord lesions: A grounded theory perspective


    Drysdale, Daren G. and Shem, Kazuko and Walbom, Agnes and Miner, Maureen D. and MacLachlan, Malcolm (2009) Phantom sensations in people with complete spinal cord lesions: A grounded theory perspective. Disability and Rehabilitation, 31 (4). pp. 267-276. ISSN 0963-8288

    [img]
    Preview
    Download (397kB) | Preview


    Share your research

    Twitter Facebook LinkedIn GooglePlus Email more...



    Add this article to your Mendeley library


    Abstract

    Purpose. Phantom sensations are somatic phenomena arising from denervated parts of the body. There is very little research, and much diagnostic confusion, regarding such experiences in people with spinal cord injuries. In the case of ‘complete’ spinal cord lesions, phantom experiences may challenge, and indeed, contradict, the understanding that both clinicians and patients have of such injuries. This paper seeks to provide a better understanding of such ‘phantom’ sensations in spinal cord injury. Method. We used grounded theory methods to explore ‘phantom’ sensations as experienced by individuals with complete (ASIA A) spinal lesions. Eight people with complete lesions, who were selected through theoretical sampling, participated in a semi-structured interview. Results. Emergent themes included injury context, sensations experienced, the meaning of sensations, body connectivity, attitude and communication about sensations. Conclusions. Our results provide an enhanced understanding of the embodied experience of phantom sensations, and important insights regarding self-construction and rehabilitative processes in people with spinal cord injury who experience such anomalous sensations.

    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: Spinal cord injuries; phantom sensations;
    Academic Unit: Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute
    Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
    Item ID: 16514
    Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638280801923607
    Depositing User: Malcolm MacLachlan
    Date Deposited: 14 Sep 2022 09:13
    Journal or Publication Title: Disability and Rehabilitation
    Publisher: Taylor & Francis
    Refereed: Yes
    URI:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

    Repository Staff Only(login required)

    View Item Item control page

    Downloads

    Downloads per month over past year

    Origin of downloads