Complex regional pain syndrome
Other Names for this Disease
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
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Reflex sympathetic dystrophy refers to type I complex regional pain syndrome. Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition that mainly affects the arms or legs and is often triggered by injury. It is characterized by constant pain, sensitivity, and skin color and temperature changes at the site of an injury. The pain is out of proportion to the severity of the injury and worsens with time. In type 1 the underlying nerve injury cannot be identified.
Last updated: 8/6/2009
- NINDS Complex regional pain syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. April 2011; http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy.htm. Accessed 10/19/2011.