Question 1

what is reflex sympathetic dystrophy?

Accepted Answer

Now CRPS: Complex regional pain syndrome, formerly rsd, is a pain syndrome, usually occurring in an arm or leg after an injury, but lasting much longer than would be normal for that type of injury. It typically has a component of redness or swelling and is described as burning or aching. There is also no obvious damage to a specific nerve that doctors can find. The cause is not clearly understood.

Question 2

reflex sympathetic dystrophy symptoms?

Accepted Answer

A nerve disorder: Rsd is a progressive disease characterized by pain, swelling, color and temperature changes in an extremity (usually arm or leg).  It is caused by impaired functioning of the autonomic nervous system.  Patients can loose function of the affected extremity and it can spread to the unaffected side.  Symptoms often manifest after a previous traumatic injury to the area.  Treatment is multi-modal.

Question 3

what causes reflex sympathetic dystrophy?

Accepted Answer

Rsd: Usually some injury - trivial or not - that results in sensitization of peripheral nerve fibers that then results in painful state. If left untreated changes take place in the spinal cord and brain as well.

Question 4

what are the symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy?

Accepted Answer

RSD: Rsd is an old term for a condition now called complex regional pain syndrome . This begins with some type of injury, often a minor one. There is a great deal of pain as well as swelling in the involved limb, sensitivity to even light touch and abnormalities in sweating of the affected extremity. The condition is poorly understood. The mainstay of treatment is aggressive physical therapy.

Question 5

what are usual tests for reflex sympathetic dystrophy?

Accepted Answer

See below: There are no specific tests for causalgia which is an old term for what is not referred to as complex regional pain syndrome. In causalgia, called crps type one there is usually some associated nerve injury so we may do a test called an emg/ncs. Often we do a test called a 3 phase bone scan but this test is not definitivein all cases.Mostly we rely on our physical examination to make the diagnosis.

Question 6

why is reflex sympathetic dystrophy more common in women?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: Rsd is 3x more likely to occur in women than men.  The reasons are unclear.  It is thought that there is a genetic predisposition to the disease so this may play a role.

Question 7

what medicines are used for rsd reflex sympathetic dystrophy?

Accepted Answer

Many: Everything from steroids, narcotics, anti-inflammatories, &amp; nerve stabilizers to anti-depressants, &amp; marijuana (which works esp. well as a topical ointment).I personally recommend Vit D cream or Prologel, topically, along with Vit B12, orally, if you can touch the skin.If that works, you may eventually be able to tolerate neuroprolotherapy (which is new &amp; thus, controversial) to calm the nerves.

Question 8

what are the complications involving reflex sympathetic dystrophy?

Accepted Answer

Several: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy needs to be aggressively treated.The complications are loss of range of motion, atrophy of skin, bone and muscles, loss of use, contractures, disability,and permanent pain.

Question 9

does anyone here know anything about reflex sympathetic dystrophy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Rsd (complex regional pain syndrome) is a poorly understood pain condition. It can occur after minor or major trauma or after nerve injury. It consists of severe pain, usually in the end of a limb, swelling and increased warmth in the early phases and muscle atrophy and contracture in the later phases. There may be excessive sweating. The causes are poorly understood. Mainstay is aggressive pt.

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: reflex sympathetic dystrophy?

Accepted Answer

RSD: RSD/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is an injury that results in pain that seems disproportionate.  It typically involves the extremities.  Physical signs can be cool skin, loss of hair, sweating dysfunction, loss of hair, shiny skin, loss of bone density. 
Treatment is physical therapy, but pain may prevent this. Sympathetic nerve blocks can reduce pain to help PT.

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