Complex

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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), pronounced as /kɒmˈplɛks ˈriːdʒənəl peɪn sɪnˈdroʊm/, is a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg. CRPS typically develops after an injury, a surgery, a stroke or a heart attack. The pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury.

Etymology

The term "Complex Regional Pain Syndrome" was coined in 1994 by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) to replace the terms "Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy" and "Causalgia". The word "complex" refers to the array of symptoms, "regional" indicates that the symptoms are confined to a specific region of the body, and "pain syndrome" refers to the chronic pain experienced by patients.

Symptoms

Symptoms of CRPS can vary in severity and duration. Key symptoms include:

  • Pain: Continuous, intense pain that is out of proportion to the severity of the injury.
  • Swelling: Swelling in the affected area.
  • Changes in skin temperature: The skin on the affected limb may feel warmer or cooler compared to the opposite limb.
  • Changes in skin color: Skin may become blotchy, blue, purple, pale, or red.

Causes

The exact cause of CRPS is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by damage to, or malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous systems. CRPS is divided into two types: CRPS-I and CRPS-II. Patients with CRPS-I (formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome) have no confirmed nerve injury, while those with CRPS-II (previously called Causalgia) have confirmed nerve injuries.

Treatment

Treatment for CRPS is most effective when started early. In such cases, improvement and even remission are possible. Treatments include:

  • Physical therapy: A gradually increasing exercise program to keep the affected limb mobile.
  • Psychotherapy: To help patients learn coping strategies.
  • Medications: Various drugs can be used to treat CRPS.

External links

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