Short Coverage of CRPS

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

A neurological disorder, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) affects peripheral and central nervous systems. Also referred to as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, CRPS is a chronic pain condition for which there is currently no cure. Children and adults of any age can suffer from this disease.

What Causes CRPS?

Cases of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) do not always have an underlying cause. For many people, however, the disease occurs following one of several circumstances, including a sprain, a broken bone, or a surgery. Characterized by an intense burning sensation that is not consistent with the injury, CRPS is easily identifiable if physicians know what to look for. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Other Symptoms of CRPS
In addition to intense burning of the affected area, patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) often experience swelling of the limb, excessive sweating, and discoloration of the affected limb. Often affecting one of the feet, legs, arms, or hands, the pain often radiates along the entire joint or limb of the affected area. This pain can be debilitating in nature. Fortunately, for some sufferers, a sudden remission of the disease does occur. But for many sufferers, the disease is progressive and the pain constant.
Treatment Options for CRPS
There is currently no cure for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Therefore, people with the disease must seek one or more available treatment options. To alleviate the burning sensation, anti depressants are often prescribed. Other methods of treatment include topical analgesics, cortic steroids, sympathetic nerve blocks and physical therapy. Because a single medication can rarely treat the symptoms of CRPS, many treatment options are often needed to help alleviate pain.
The Future of CRPS
More information is needed for physicians and emergency room staff to be able to prevent incidences of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). By knowing what to look for, the number of occurrences of the disease can diminish. In addition, organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health are working on ways to more aggressively intervene in cases of traumatic injury in order to prevent CRPS.
If you need legal representation concerning your CRPS case, an attorney familiar with your disease is your best option. With so many people unaware of CRPS, its symptoms, treatments, and preventions, an attorney who has experiences with cases such as yours is vital. CRPS is a painful disease. You do not have to battle it alone. There is someone on your side.