Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (complex regional pain syndrome)
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Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (complex regional pain syndrome)
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, also called complex regional pain syndrome, is an unusual neurological disease in which the nervous system malfunctions after a traumatic event, such as an accident, a fall, surgery, or even after a minor injury such as a sprain. This malfunction causes pain that may seem severe compared to the original injury and may remain long after the injury has healed.
Skin sensitivity, excessive sweating, numbness, and tingling may also occur with reflex sympathetic dystrophy. This condition is not understood well and is difficult to diagnose and treat.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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