Advanced Pain Management Doctor
Patient Education and Links
Reflex
Sympathetic Dystrophy
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I
·
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also called Complex
Regional Pain Syndrome I (CRPS), is a chronic neurological disease in which
nerves misfire by sending constant pain signals to the brain
·
RSD is a malfunction of part of the nervous system that
develops in response to an event the body regards as “traumatic”.
The “traumatic” event could be significant such as an accident,
medical procedure or surgery or the “traumatic” event could be minor such as
a fall or sprain. RSD may occur
without apparent injury. The
sympathetic nervous system seems to assume an abnormal function after perceived
injury.
·
Symptoms of RSD: Varies
in severity and duration
o
Burning
pain
o
Restricted
and/or painful movement
o
Muscle
spasms
o
Swelling
o
Sensitivities
to the afflicted area (heat, cold, touch…)
o
Changes
in skin color and/or temperature
o
Skin
and/or nail changes
o
Skin,
bone, muscle atrophy
o
Tremors
·
Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to success and
chances of remission.
·
Diagnosis can be difficult:
o
No
single test to diagnose RSD
o
Subjective
(medical history) and objective (physical exam) findings are used to diagnose
RSD
o
Testing
may include thermogram, Triple phase bone scan, and sympathetic blocks.
EMG studies, MRI scans, CT scans are sometimes used to identify of the
possible cause of the pain.
·
There is no known cure for RSD. RSD may spread over time and even to the opposite
extremity.
·
Treatment is an aggressive combination of therapies to
include:
o
Medications
-
Anticonvulsants
-
Antidepressants
-
Narcotics
-
Vasodilators
-
Beta-adrenergic blocking medication
-
Muscle relaxants
o
Sympathetic
Nerve Blocks
-
Stellate Ganglion Blocks
o
Physical
Therapy
o
Psychological
Support
o
Sympathectomy
(chemical or surgical)
o
Dorsal
Column Stimulator
o
Improvement
in nutrition
o
Stress
Reduction
o
Smoking
Cessation
·
RSD is a complex condition with varying degrees of severity
and disability. Often a team
approach (physician, physical therapist, pain specialist, psychologist) is most
helpful.
·
Research continues among many health agencies.
·
For more information:
o
Reflex
Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association
-
1-877-662-7737
o
American RSD Hope Group
-
1-207-583-4589
o
American Chronic Pain Association
-
1-916-632-0922
o
National Institute of Neurological Disorder and
Stroke (NINDS)