CRPS pain syndrome / Reflex dystrophy / algodystrophy with pain, swelling and thin, shiny skin. Patient Association CRPS https://commons.wikimedia.org. CC BY SA 3.0
CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) ICD-10: M89.0
Contents
Definition
CRPS - pain syndrome is characterized by the fact that even a small physical injury can cause great, chronic pain and other symptoms. CRPS is a neurological condition that can be divided into two types:
- Type I; Reflex dystrophy, Algodystrophy, Sudeck's atrophy
- Type II: Causalgia. Most often after nerve damage
Symptoms of CRPS pain syndrome
- Chronic major pain
- Swelling
- Skin symptoms
- In the first stage, the injured arm or leg is very painful, hot in the skin, reddish and swollen.
- At a later stage, the arm or leg becomes cold, numb or numb. The swelling goes back. Some people develop pain in the opposite arm / leg.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria for CRPS according to The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) . (Type I and II are quite similar):
Type I
- There is a triggering injury or immobilization
- Persistent pain or hypersensitivity (hyperalgesia)
- Swelling (edema), skin changes with signs of altered blood circulation to the skin or abnormal sweating in the painful area
- No other conditions that can explain the degree of pain and the reduced function
Type II (causalgia)
- Persistent pain or hypersensitivity after a nerve injury, but not necessarily limited to the nerve supply area
- Swelling (edema), skin changes with signs of altered blood circulation in the skin or abnormal perspiration in the painful area.
- No other conditions that can explain the degree of pain and the reduced function
CRPS pain syndrome in the left hand. Smooth, swollen skin and increased hair growth. Sunder RA, J Brachial Plex Peripheral Nerve Inj (2008). CC BY 2.0
Supplementary medical investigations
- Thermography
- Radiological examinations (MR, Scintigraphy, Dexa measurement of bone mass)
- Neurography, Electromyography (EMG)
Incorrect diagnosis, similar conditions, differential diagnoses
- Blood clot / thrombosis (by Antifosfolipid syndrome and other disposable conditions)
- No pain
- RS3PE
- Both hands swollen
- High CRP and ESR in blood samples
- Older people
- Nervous system disorders
- Kidney damage, plexus injury and more)
- Fracture injury (fracture)
Treatment
Unfortunately, often disappointing results.
- Medication
- Physiotherapy
- Psychological measures
Prognosis
The condition lasts for several months. Some people have symptoms for more than five years.
