Also called: Also called: Causalgia, CRPS, Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an uncommon nerve disorder. It causes intense pain, usually in the arms, hands, legs or feet. It happens after an injury, either to a nerve or to tissue in the affected area. Rest and time may only make it worse. Doctors are not sure what causes it.
Symptoms in the affected area are
- Dramatic changes in temperature and color
- Intense burning pain
- Extreme skin sensitivity
The cause of CRPS is unknown, and there is no cure. It can get worse over time, and may spread to other parts of the body. Occasionally it goes away, either temporarily or for good. Treatment focuses on relieving the pain, and can include medicines, physical therapy and nerve blocks.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - In English and Spanish - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy/detail_reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy.htm
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/pain/disorders/238.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/pain/disorders/238.printerview.html
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/complex-regional-pain-syndrome/DS00265/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy.htm
Also available in Spanish http://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/trastornos/sindrome_de_dolor_regional_complejo.htm
- Facts & Fiction about Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy & Complex Regional Pain Syndrome(Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America) - http://www.rsds.org/2/fact_fiction/index.html
- Recognizing, Understanding, and Treating CRPS/RSD(Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America) - Links to PDF - http://www.rsds.org/pdf/recognizing_understanding_treatingCRPS_RSD.pdf
- Telltale Signs and Symptoms of CRPS Type 1/RSD(Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America) - Links to PDF - http://www.rsds.org/pdf/handicard_5_05.pdf
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)(American Society for Surgery of the Hand) - http://www.assh.org/Content/NavigationMenu/PatientsPublic/HandConditions/ReflexSympatheticDystrophyRSD/Reflex_Sympathetic_.htm
- Treating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Guide for Therapy(Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America) - Links to PDF - http://www.rsds.org/pdf/ptotbrochure_604.pdf
- CRPS/RSD and Sports Injuries: Prevention Is the Name of the Game(Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America) - Links to PDF - http://www.rsds.org/pdf/SportsInjuryBrochure.pdf
- Hospital Protocol RSD/CRPS Patient: Handle with Care!(Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America) - Links to PDF - http://www.rsds.org/4/resources/pdf/hospital_protocol.pdf
- In Pain, Out of Work and Can't Pay the Bills: A Resource Directory for People with RSD/CRPS(Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America) - http://www.rsds.org/4/resources/out_work/out_of_work_2.html
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Causalgia(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Causalgia%22
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Complex Regional Pain Syndromes(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Complex+Regional+Pain+Syndromes%22
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Reflex+Sympathetic+Dystrophy%22
- Article: Complex regional pain syndrome (type 1): a comparison of 2... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18716503&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Clinical outcome of cementless semi-constrained trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty, and possible effect... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18686455&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS/RSD) and neuropathic pain: role of... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18661047&tool=MedlinePlus
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=complex+regional+pain+syndromes[majr]+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
Also available in Spanish http://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America - http://www.rsds.org/index2.html
- Helping Children/ Youth with RSD/ CRPS Succeed in School(Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America) - Links to PDF - http://www.rsds.org/4/resources/pdf/helping_children.pdf
- Your Child Is Diagnosed with CRPS(Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America) - http://www.rsds.org/4/youth/your_child_is_diagnosed.html
- Pain - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pain.html
- Brain and Nerves - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/brainandnerves.html
The primary NIH organization for research on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/