Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Blog : Personal Injury Lawyer & Attorney Stuart Kritzer for CRPS, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) & Causalgia Claims

I recently had a conversation with a perspective client who had been injured in an automobile accident and as a result, was experiencing many of the symptoms of RSD / CRPS. Unfortunately, she was being passed around between different specialists who had yet been able to effectively diagnose her condition. She asked me if there was a test or series of tests that could be performed to diagnose or dispel the existence of CRPS / RSD.  Unfortunately, there is no specific test that can conclusively diagnose CRPS. The US National Library of Medicine posted the following guidelines for testing for CRPS/RSD.  

·         Medical Historywww.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007184.htm

·         Physical Examination

·         Thermography

·         Bone Scans

·         Nerve Conduction Studies

·         Xrays

Additionally, the International Research Foundation for RSD / CRPS has posted the "Clinical Practice Guidelines - Third Edition".  

One thing is for certain: Despite the growing awareness of RSD/CRPS, much more research is necessary in the medical and research community.

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Recently the BBC ran a story about the use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to relieve patients that are afflicted with chronic pain conditions.

Simply put, TENS is a therapy that distributes mild electrical currents to the source of pain. When the current is delivered for short intervals several times a day, some people experience less pain. TENS is thought to combat pain by stimulating increased production of natural pain-relieving hormones called endorphins and by blocking various nerve fibres that block pain messages.

Numerous stories of success are chronicled at the American RSDHope web site.

TENS devices are approved and regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More information about TENS can be found online and from your medical professional.

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We recently came across a great RSD/CPRS called RSD/CRPS Doesn’t Own Me. This site contains fantastic information for people affected by RSD/CRPS. If you get a chance, read some of the RSD Angel Stories. There are heartbreaking stories of pain, courage but most importantly hope.

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While the cause of CRPS / RSD is unknown and currently there is no cure, the good news is there are organizations sponsoring research studies.

There are numerous clinical trials involving CRPS / RSD that are actively seeking volunteers to participate. An up-to-date list of both closed and open clinical trials can be found at the following sites:

• U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) - ClinicalTrials.gov
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

These clinical studies cover pain management strategies ranging from drug, behavioral and devices.

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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) can be difficult to diagnose, as it affects the skin, muscles, joints and bones. There is no clear-cut precipitating event that can be linked to CRPS/RSD. Usually developing in large scale injuries - an injured limb (broken arm / leg) - the the condition can also occur following surgery. Additionally, CRPS/RSD can occur in minor injuries like a sprain or even a pinprick! 

Those who suffer from CRPS/RSP report seeing an average of 5 physicians before being accurately diagnosed. It is critical to find a CRPS/RSP-aware physician.  What is a “CRPS/RSD physician”? The website of the American RSD Hope Organization posted a great definition: 

… A CRPS-educated physician is someone who is up-to-date with the latest information on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, as well as someone who has treated a number of CRPS patients, successfully.

Currently there is no a formal organization for medical professionals focusing on CRPS/RSD. Look for doctors who are experts in pain management and ask their offices if they regularly treat this condition. Contact online CRPS/RSD support groups. There is information available from others with this condition who are more than willing to share it.

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According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS),  Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a complicated neurological condition evidenced by severe, chronic pain and growing changes to skin, muscle, joints and bone.      

Millions of people in the United States may suffer from RSD/CRPS. This condition usually occurs in an injured arm, hand or leg and is most often caused by something as minor as a sprain or broken bone or from a serious crush injury, and spreads in a progressive manner. Many people injured in accidents with what appear to be relatively minor injuries can later suffer from the painful effects of RSD/CRPS. Tragically, other problems like depression, sleeplessness, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, mood swings and overall reduced quality of life are consequences of RSD/CRPS.

People living with CRPS/RSD live with challenges beyond the comprehension of most of us.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a complicated neurological condition evidenced by severe, chronic pain coupled with growing changes to skin, muscle, joints and bone.      

Millions of people in the United States may suffer from RSD/CRPS. This condition usually occurs in an injured arm, hand or leg, caused by something as minor as a sprain or broken bone or from a serious crush injury, and spreads in a progressive manner. Many people injured in accidents with what appears to be relatively minor injuries can later suffer from the painful effects of RSD/CRPS. Tragically, other problems like depression, sleeplessness, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, mood swings, and overall reduced quality of life are direct effects of RSD/CRPS.

People living with CRPS/RSD live with challenges that are incomprehensible.

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