Final answer:
An amputee can feel a phantom limb due to the brain's ability to reorganize, a process known as neural plasticity. Dr. Ramachandran's research led to the development of the mirror box therapy, which can alleviate phantom limb pain by tricking the brain with visual illusions.
Step-by-step explanation:
An amputee can still feel sensations of a phantom limb due to the phenomenon of neural plasticity, a fundamental property of the brain to reorganize itself. The concept was further explored by Dr. Vilayanur Subramanian Ramachandran, a pioneer in behavioral neurology, particularly in the area of phantom limb syndrome. Ramachandran developed the innovative mirror box therapy, which utilizes a mirror to reflect the remaining limb, creating a visual illusion that can trick the brain into experiencing control over the absent limb. This therapeutic approach has been used to alleviate the chronic pain often associated with phantom limbs.
In the somatosensory cortex of the brain, there is significant space devoted to processing sensations from our fingers as compared to our toes. When limb amputation occurs, the cortex can rewire itself, leading to sensations that appear to originate from the missing limb. Ramachandran's case studies highlighted the reorganization of the brain after amputation and how mirror therapy could help manage the phantom sensations.
Through his research and case studies, Ramachandran provided new insights into the link between visual perception, nerve transmission, and the consequent manifestation of phantom limb sensations. Leveraging the material culture of this research, Ramachandran and his contributions have had a significant impact on the treatment and understanding of phantom limb syndrome.