Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

CRPS (formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or RSD) is a chronic pain condition that is believed to be the result of dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems.

Typical features of CRPS include dramatic changes in the colour and temperature of the skin over the affected limb or body part, accompanied by burning or stabbing pain, skin dryness or excessive sweating, severe pain on slightest touch and constant or occasional swelling. It develops after some nerve injury as a result of trauma (e.g. fracture) or surgery. It is not uncommon to develop this condition after orthopaedic surgery. An injection called sympathectomy can bring a substantial and long lived pain relief.

Also see Stellate Ganglion block, Lumbar Sympathectomy, Ganglion impar block
 




Back to Glossary of Terms