RSD: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD) - also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - is a chronic neurological syndrome. It most often affects a part of the body that has sustained an injury such as a broken bone, and the nerve or soft tissue in that area has not followed a normal healing path. It can be caused by a single event such as a car accident or even a bad fall. It can also be precipitated by trauma to the nerve due to poor medical care.

Although RSD was recognized and described 125 years ago, not much progress has been made since then in understanding and recognizing this syndrome. However, what is known is that RSD is among the 100 types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. And it is estimated that between 500,000 and 750,000 people have RSD.

It is also a very serious disease, particularly because its development seems to worsen with time and if left untreated, can cause deformities and chronic pain. As well, RSD can develop from even the slightest injury such as a splinter in your toe. It can also be left undiagnosed and improperly treated. In the case of American Idol judge and celebrity Paula Abdul, a cheerleading accident when she was 17 years old caused her to suffer a 25 year battle with chronic pain and she was just recently diagnosed with RSD.

There are Two Types of RSD - Type I and Type II.
RSD Type I - cases in which the nerve injury cannot be immediately identified
RSD Type II (also referred to as Causalgia) - cases in which a distinct "major" nerve injury has occurred.

There is no single laboratory test to diagnose RSD so a physician must assess and document both subjective complaints (medical history) and, if present, objective findings (physical examination).

Symptoms include the following:

• intense and severe burning pain
• muscle spasms
• increased and excessive sweating
• joint tenderness or stiffness
• changes in the skin such as warm, shiny red that cools and becomes bluish
• tissue swelling
• extreme sensitivity to touch

Pain may remain localized to the area of injury, but it can also spread and affect an entire limb. Emotional stress can trigger further pain and in turn could lead to psychological disturbances such as depression. As well, long-term drug treatment for chronic pain can lead to dependency on narcotics and patients could even become completely incapacitated by RSD.

Treatment

• Physical therapy to regain use
• Sympathetic block â€" doctors block the sympathetic nervous system that transmits signals to and from the brain
• Amputation (in severe cases)
• Putting the patient to sleep for prolonged periods and "rebooting" their nervous system

Although the treatment of patients with advanced RSD is a challenging and time-consuming task, Ms. Abdul has reported that one new course of treatment (Enbrel) has produced "amazing results".

The symptoms of RSD can be a constant source of pain and frustration for sufferers; it can hinder a patient in finding the right resources and compensation they deserve -- the medical costs associated with RSD can be overwhelming.

Register your RSD/RSDS Complaint

If you feel that you might be suffering from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD/RSDS) which was the result of an accident or negligence, please contact an experienced RSD lawyer for a free evaluation.
Published on Feb-13-07