Phantom and amputation illusions in paraplegic patients.

In paraplegic patients, amputation illusions and anosognosia with phantom position illusions are distinct phenomena which do not concur in any one patient. A permanent amputation illusion regularly follows a complete spinal injury with concomitant brain concussion, whereas all patients who are conscious during their spinal trauma remain aware of their paralyzed limbs in definite phantom positions which are clearly related to the position of the body at the moment of injury.