The FaBo Mirror methodology for phantom pain control has begun to be put into practice

Specialists of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNIMU) have begun to introduce a new technique for combating phantom pain in patients who have lost limbs. The technique using a system of mirrors, called "FaBo Mirror", is now being used primarily for the rehabilitation of combatants.

The work is being carried out in several medical institutions, in particular, in War Veterans Hospital No. 3. More than 100 people have already been treated, and more than 70% of them have seen marked improvement.

Work with the patient begins with a clinical conversation, during which the doctor finds out the nature, intensity and frequency of pain attacks. Then, using a system of mirrors, an image of a healthy limb is projected in place of the missing limb so that the patient sees a realistic image of himself with both arms or legs. This affects the way the brain works.

The exercises begin with sensory recognition tasks, where the patient uses the healthy limb to identify, for example, a prickly, soft or warm object. The patient is then asked to perform a set of so-called neurotests - detailed actions that follow the doctor's instructions.

"All the exercises consist of neurodynamic trials. For example, the doctor gives an instruction: put your hand with your fist on the table, then turn it on its edge, and then put the whole surface on the table. This is called a dynamic praxis test (reproduction of the motor program according to the pattern. - Ed.) "fist-rib-palm". Then the medic quickly repeats the commands, and the patient fulfills them," - explained the head of the Department of Clinical Psychology ICPSR Pirogov University Vera Nikishina.

Read more in an exclusive Izvestia piece:

Means of reflection: mirrors help treat veterans of the SVO from phantom pains