|  | Conditions Treatments | Neurological Disorders

The Types of RSD

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, RSD, has been replaced with the term Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS. According to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association, RSDSA, this chronic neurological syndrome has symptoms such as severe burning pain, pathological changes in the bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling and extreme sensitivity to touch. CRPS is a malfunction of part of the nervous system. When the nerves misfire, the brain is sent constant pain signals and the resultant pain ranges from mild to severe.

  1. Type I and Type II

    • CRPS is described as an injury to a nerve or the soft tissue that does not follow the normal path of healing. The two types of CRPS are Type I and Type II. Each type is differentiated by whether it is identifiable or whether it has a cause. If the nerve injury is a result of an unidentifiable cause, than it is considered Type I. However, Causalgia or Type II is characterized as having a distinct "major" nerve injury occurrence. So, if the nerve injury occurred after a surgery, than the surgery is considered the cause.

    Diagnosis

    • Both types of CRPS are noted by the ongoing and oftentimes relentless nerve pain that is due to the never-ending pain signals received by the brain. Unfortunately, a simple fall or invasive surgery can cause the same severity of nerve pain. The Rocky Mountain CRPS/RSD states, "CRPS/RSD is one of the most painful afflictions known to medical science." Changes like edema, temperature of the skin and visible skin abnormalities may be the basis for the diagnosis of this syndrome. However, diagnosis is made by ruling out other conditions that cause similar pain and dysfunction; assessing and documenting medical history; and physically examining a patient.

    Treatment

    • According to the RSDSA, CRPS is poorly misunderstood by patients, families and the healthcare system. Patients report seeing an average of five physicians before an accurate diagnosis is made. CRPS treatments include medication, physical therapy, psychological support, sympathetic nerve blocks and/or spinal cord stimulation.

    Facts

    • Between 200,000 and 1.2 million Americans are affected by severe and relentless pain. Of these statistics, women are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with CRPS. Although the mean age is 42, RSDSA reports it is seeing the symptoms in young girls and children as young as 3 years of age. It should also be noted that CRPS is not a psychological syndrome; however, patients may develop psychological problems because they are not believed by family or physicians. Early and accurate diagnosis as well as proper treatment is key for recovery.

Neurological Disorders - Related Articles