Phantoms Following Amputation in Early Childhood and in Congenital Absence of Limbs

Summary Report on three cases of phantoms in congenital absence of limbs and after amputation in early infancy. The phantoms were in every way as vivid and natural in form, intensity and apparent mobility as those known after amputation in later life. There does not exist a fundamental qualitative difference between phantoms in these cases and in adult amputees. However, phantoms appear to be less frequent in infancy. The bearing of these and earlier observations on a theory of phantom limbs and body scheme is discussed.