Phantom Vibration Syndrome:An Emerging Phenomenon

Mobile phones are innovation of new era’s technology. Around 5 billion people are using mobile phone worldwide. Mobile phone is an essential part of urban life. People spent more time of cell phones and it is affecting their physical and mental health. People are using vibration alert mode in silence zone and its frequent use lead towards phantom vibration syndrome (PVS). In 2003, Mr. Robert D. Jones described the term Phantom vibration syndrome. Phantom vibration syndrome is an emerging disorder due to excessive use of mobile phones. People perceive that their cell phone is vibrating but in reality it not. PVS is concern with psychological or neurological changes. Prevalence of Phantom vibration syndrome is more than 70% among the medical students. This tactile hallucination causes by repeated use of cell phone, vibration alert mode and using same location for carrying mobile phone. PVS may lead toward anxiety, depression and affective disorders. Phantom vibration syndrome can manage by changing habits towards utilization and carrying of cell phone. Burnout syndrome may occur in people if phantom vibration syndrome not treated properly. More studies are needed to explore the etiology of PVS and its possible management. Mobile phone users are increasing drastically so in the future more cases of PVS may be reported.