Causes of RSD

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Causes of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Austin Attorney

The causes of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, commonly referred to as Common Reflex Pain Syndrome (CRPS), are not yet known.  It is believed that the damaged nerves of the sympathetic system send signals to the brain that interfere with normal information about sensation, temperature and blood flow.   Underlying events can lead to the development of CRPS including:

  • Injuries sustained in an motor vehicle accident
  • Damage due to crushing injuries
  • Poorly placed IV’s or IV’s left in too long
  • Injections given in the wrong place
  • Unnecessary surgeries
  • Medical malpractice

Unfortunately, CRPS is often misdiagnosed because it is so poorly understood.  There are no comprehensive diagnostic tests to determine the presence of CRPS; it is diagnosed primarily through medical history and astute observation of the symptoms.  Symptoms include burning pain, extreme swelling, increased sweating, muscle spasms, softening of the bones, joint tenderness and stiffness, difficulty with movement and changes in the nails and skin color.  CRPS will often start in one arm or leg and spread throughout the entire body.

Diagnosis is further complicated by the fact that some patients improve without treatment while others don’t.  Delays in diagnosis and/or treatment for this syndrome can often result in life-altering physical and psychological problems, while early diagnosis and treatment provide the best outcome for recovery.

Treatment for CRPS

Treatment of CRPS depends on many factors including the severity of the disease, what level of dysfunction and pain are present, and the type and location of the pain.  In addition, the patient’s age, ongoing medical conditions, and ability to tolerate other medical treatments must be factored in.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that early treatment is helpful in limiting the length and severity of CRPS, but there are no clinical studies as yet to back that theory up.

There are a number of therapies available for the treatment of CRPS although most are palliative in nature.  Some of the recommended treatments include rehabilitation, medication, nerve blocks, neural stimulation and drug pumps.  In addition, there are a number of alternative therapies that have been used to treat CRPS with meaningful results, including behavior modification, acupuncture and biofeedback.  Lastly, there are some emerging treatments that are showing promise, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), Ketamine and the use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers.

Why We Can Help You

CRPS cases can be hard to win if you don’t have an experienced attorney on your side that understands what it is.  Patients can report pain levels that are often out of proportion to the severity of injury.  Or the pain has spread throughout the injured limb and migrated throughout other areas of the body.  In general, juries just don’t understand these things unless they are presented to them in a way that they can understand.  The knowledgeable attorneys at Zinda Law Group will present your case intelligently and help them to understand.

We realize the enormity of the problems that you face in relation to your pain, in addition to enormous medical bills that you face.  We want to help you.  Why not call us today at (800) 863-5312 for a free, no-fee consultation and let us help you.