Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is also referred to as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and typically occurs in the upper or lower extremities. There are two types of CRPS: CRPS 1, when pain stems from an initial painful event that may or may not be traumatic, and CRPS 2, when pain stems from an identifiable painful event or nerve injury. Both CRPS 1 and CRPS 2 cause continuous, intense pain out of proportion to the severity of the injury. Some common symptoms include drastic changes in the temperature and color of the skin over the affected limb or body part, accompanied by severe burning pain, skin sensitivity, sweating, and swelling. Some other key features of CRPS include hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to painful stimuli), and allodynia (a painful response to a typically non-painful stimulus).

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Diagnosis

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is a very complex pain disorder, which can be very difficult to treat. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy often begins in the hand or the foot, and spreads to the affected arm or leg. CRPS can also spread to the opposite arm or leg. The cause of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is still unclear, however, there are several theories. Some theorize that Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophyis maintained by the sympathetic nervous system. Another theory is that CRPS is caused by an immune response, which leads to the inflammatory symptoms of redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected area. There are no specific tests to diagnose CRPS, but testing can be done to rule out other diagnoses that may explain the symptoms. Blood testing can be done to rule out other inflammatory or rheumatologic conditions. Nerve conduction studies can be done to rule out peripheral neuropathy, or nerve entrapment conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be done to rule out any soft tissue causes for the patient’s neuropathic symptoms. The diagnosis of CRPS is made in the absence of these other possible causes for the patient’s pain.