Phantom face

conscious correlate of neural reorganization after removal of primary sensory neurones

Abstract

A patient in whom mandibular and maxillary parts of right trigeminal ganglion were removed experienced referred sensations after stimulation of the right hand and right forehead. She described them either as parallel to the perception at the actual stimulation site or as coming uniquely from a (non-existent) stimulation of denervated territory. The latter occurred in 6–19% of stimulations performed on the right forehead and on digits 1, 3 and 4 of the right hand. Thumb stimulations were localized on the right side of the face, stimulations of right forehead, middle and ring fingers more precisely on right cheek. Referred sensations were present on postoperative day 7 and had a more real-like quality than 5 days later.