CRPS

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)? Beverly Hills

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a severe and chronic pain disorder often associated with intense pain, throbbing, burning, hypersensitivity, and swelling in the affected body area following an injury. The Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is diagnosed with validated and specific criteria referred to as the “Budapest Criteria.”

Budapest Criteria

These four criteria must be met to diagnose Complex Regional Pain Syndrome effectively:

  • Chronic pain unbalanced with the inciting event
  • The patients must report at least one symptom in the following categories; Sensory, Vasomotor, Sudomotor/edema, and motor/trophic.
  • When evaluating the medical issue, one sign must be visible in at least two out of the four categories highlighted above.
  • A different diagnosis does not effectively analyze the signs and symptoms

There are two kinds of CRPS which are differentiated by the initial injury or trauma

CRPS Type 1

CRPS Type 1, also referred to as RSD, is often triggered by a more significant surgery/trauma or a minor injury, resulting in unrelenting and disproportionate pain. Note that there is no direct nerve injury involved in CRPS Type 1.

CRPS Type 2

CRPS Type 2 is also referred to as Causalgia, where the peripheral nerve has encountered a minor injury. It may occur in the context of a traumatic injury or surgery. 

In both CRPS types, the painful limb or area may encounter unexpected abnormalities like tremors, weakness, hypersensitivity, skin color or texture changes, and temperature changes. 

Treatment of CRPS

Treatment procedures for both types of CRPS depend on the duration and severity of the symptoms. However, they help eliminate painful systems and restore the affected limb to its full function. Common treatment procedures include sympathetic nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, medications, psychological counseling, and physical therapy.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Come over to our office at Beverly Hills to meet with our experienced specialists to administer the best treatment procedure. The Orthopedic Pain Institute boasts of advanced equipment and dedicated staff. Our dedicated team will be available to attend to you and determine the best treatment for your condition.