Complex regional pain syndrome, also known as CRPS, is a chronic pain condition most often affecting one limb, usually after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack.
Causes and Symptoms
- The exact cause is not well understood, but CRPS typically occurs after a trauma, surgery, or nervous system damage.
- Symptoms can include prolonged severe pain, swelling, changes in skin color, temperature, and texture, and impaired motor function in the affected area.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis involves a physical examination and patient history, and may also include imaging tests, nerve conduction studies, or sympathetic nervous system tests.
- Conservative treatments include physical therapy, psychotherapy, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.
- Interventional treatments can involve nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, or intrathecal drug pumps.
Goal of Treatment
- The primary goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and maintain quality of life by managing symptoms.