Causes
Although complex regional pain syndrome
(CRPS) has been a recognised medical condition for more than 150 years, The
exact mechanism of how RSD develops is poorly understood.
Complex regional pain syndrome occurs in
two types, with similar signs and symptoms, but different causes:
Type 1. Also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, this type
occurs after an illness or injury that didn't directly damage the nerves in
your affected limb. About 90 percent of people with complex regional pain
syndrome have type 1.
Type 2. Once referred to as causalgia, this type follows a distinct nerve
injury.
A variety of events can trigger the RSD,
including:
- Injury,
- Surgery,
- Heart disease,
- Degenerative arthritis of the neck,
- Stroke or other brain diseases,
- Nerve irritation by entrapment (such as carpal tunnel syndrome),
- Shingles,
- Shoulder problems,
- Breast cancer,
- Drugs for tuberculosis and barbiturates.
Diagnosis
There's no single test for complex regional
pain syndrome (CRPS). It's usually diagnosed by ruling out other conditions
that have similar symptoms.
The following procedures may provide
important clues to diagnose RDS.
Physical exam and your medical history.
Bone scan. This procedure may help detect bone changes. A radioactive
substance injected into one of your veins permits viewing of your bones with a
special camera.
Sympathetic nervous
system tests. These tests look for disturbances in your
sympathetic nervous system. For example, thermography measures the skin
temperature and blood flow of your affected and unaffected limbs.
Other tests can measure the amount of sweat
on both limbs. Dissimilar results can indicate complex regional pain syndrome.
X-rays. Loss of minerals from your bones may show up on an X-ray in later
stages of the disease.
Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI). Images captured by an MRI device may
show a number of tissue changes.
