Overview
What is complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is the pathophysiology of complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS)?
What is the prevalence of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in the US?
What is avoided with early recognition of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What are the sexual predilections of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
Which age groups have the highest prevalence of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
Presentation
How is pain characterized in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
How is edema characterized in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What are the motor signs and symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What are the sensory signs and symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What are the psychological symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What clinical history findings are characteristic of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
How are the two types of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) differentiated?
Which physical findings are characteristic of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What causes complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
DDX
How is erythromelalgia differentiated from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
Workup
What is the role of lab tests in the workup of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is the role of EMG and NCS in the workup of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is the role of laser Doppler imaging in the workup of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
How is skin temperature assessed in the workup of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
Treatment
What is the role of physical therapy (PT) in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is the role of recreational therapy in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
How is complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) treated?
What is the role of sympathetic blocks in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is the role of IV regional blocks in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is the role of somatic blocks in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
When is intrathecal infusion indicated in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What are the types of sympathectomy used in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is the role of amputation in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is the effectiveness of placebo treatments for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
Guidelines
Medications
What is the role of medications in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
Follow-up
When is inpatient care indicated in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
How is the progression of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) prevented?
What are the possible complications of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is the prognosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
What is included in patient education about complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
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A 29-year-old woman with reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the right foot demonstrates discoloration of the skin and marked allodynia.
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This photo shows the same patient as in the above image, following a right lumbar sympathetic block. Marked increase in the temperature of the right foot is noted, with more than 50% pain relief.
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A 68-year-old woman with complex regional pain syndrome type II (causalgia).
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A 36-year-old woman with right arm reflex sympathetic dystrophy and dystonic posture (movement disorder).
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Normal laser Doppler study of the upper extremities. When the patient performs inspiratory gasp repeatedly during laser Doppler image acquisition, the transient capillary flow decreases are displayed easily and dramatically (as dark bands) in the pseudocolor image.
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Laser Doppler study of the upper extremities in a patient with right hand reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
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Laser Doppler study of the lower extremities in a 25-year-old woman with reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the right foot.
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Algorithm for the management of chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Resolution of this syndrome does not commonly occur, and the patient will need chronic pain management.