A "phantom limb" refers to the sensation that an individual experiences after losing a limb, where they still feel as if the limb is present. This phenomenon can include feelings of warmth, cold, itchiness, or even pain in the area where the limb once was. It is most commonly reported by amputees but can also occur in individuals with other types of nerve damage. The exact cause of phantom limb sensations is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the brain's representation of the body, known as the body schema. When a limb is removed, the brain may still send signals to the area, leading to the perception of the missing limb.