ICPLP banner

First international conference on the enigma of Phantom Limb Pain

​Vivid and often severe pain originating from a lost extremity. The phenomenon is called phantom limb pain (PLP); but what are the causes, and how can it be treated? After over a century of researching, scientists are still puzzled, but current research is bringing us closer to the answer.​
​From 31 August to 2 September 2021, leading researchers and international experts on phantom limb pain will gather in Gothenburg, Sweden, to share their knowledge at the 1st International Conference on PLP (ICPLP). The aim is to bring together world-renowned experts in the study and treatment of PLP, and to create a forum for open discussions on contrasting theories and findings to move the field forward. 

It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people all over the world suffer from phantom limb pain. The condition is often prevalent after amputation, can be seriously debilitating and drastically reduces the sufferers’ quality of life. No universally accepted guidelines yet exist for its prevention or treatment.

Three themes will be in focus during the conference:
  • Neural basis of PLP: hypotheses, neurophysiological studies, and modelling
  • Treatments for PLP: surgical, neurostimulation, and non-invasive
  • Epidemiology and phenomenology: prevalence, comorbidities, and quality of life

On the first day of the conference, workshops aimed at engineers and clinicians will be held. These will showcase new technologies and treatments. Two days will follow of presentations and panel discussions. Researchers can submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations, as well as workshops (deadline 28 February 2021).

However, it is not only science that is in focus at the conference - there is also an art contest​. The contest challenges everyone (students, patients, families, researchers) to communicate how they understand, describe and/or feel phantom limb pain. The winner will receive SEK 5000 and free entrance to the next ICPLP.​​

“We are very pleased that we have managed to gather some of the world´s most eminent researchers in this field. Since this is the first time such an event takes place, it will be truly exciting to listen and to interact with the participants to increase knowledge and spread awareness about phantom limb pain,” says Conference Chair, Dr. Max Ortiz Catalan, who is a researcher on the origin and treatment of PLP himself.




For more information, please contact:
Conference Chair: Max Ortiz Catalan, Associate Professor, 
Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology

The conference was originally planned to be held on 2-4 September 2020, but the arrangement has been rescheduled due to the corona pandemic.​​

Page manager Published: Thu 09 Sep 2021.