Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: Continuous Pain After an Accident

October 10, 2010

Little is known or understood about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) -- also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). What is known is that between 200,000 and 1.2 million Americans suffer from this syndrome, according to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA).

RSD is a chronic and painful neurological condition that can cause severe and relentless pain, affecting the skin, joints, muscles and bones. RSD can affect any individual of any age, but most often the syndrome affects women (who are three times more likely than men to suffer from CRPS or RSD) and those between the ages of 40 and 60.

RSD can be triggered by events such as surgery, stroke and trauma, including even very minor slip-and-fall accidents.

Symptoms of RSD/CPRS

According to the RSDSA, symptoms of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy may include:
- Persistent moderate-to-severe pain
- Swelling
- Abnormal skin color changes
- Skin temperature
- Sweating
- Limited range of movement
- Movement disorders

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that the "key symptom of CRPS is continuous, intense pain out of proportion to the severity of the injury, which gets worse rather than better over time." The condition and its symptoms do run the gamut from mild to moderate to severe.

Treatment for RSD/CPRS

Currently, there is no cure for RSD at this time. Treatment is aimed at lessening the symptoms of RSD. Treatment may include:
- Physical therapy
- Medication
- Sympathetic nerve blocks
- Pain drug pumps
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Psychological treatment

If you or a loved one has experienced an accident, no matter how seemingly insignificant, and pain or any of the other above symptoms of RSD are being experienced, speak with a medical professional. Also, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you seek compensation for pain and suffering and continued treatment for injuries.

Article provided by Fiol & Gomez PA
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