Diagnosis and Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome / 한양의대학술지

ABSTRACT

Complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS) are neuropathic pain disorders of one or more extremities developing inadequately after trauma or lesions in the peripheral or central nervous system (CNS). However, CRPS may also develop spontaneously. CRPS are clinically characterized by sensory (pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia), autonomic (disturbances of skin temperature, color change, and presence of sweating abnormalities), and motor (paresis, tremor, and dystonia) disturbances. There has been growing evidence claiming that CRPS is a systemic disease involving the CNS and peripheral nervous system. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms and signs, so that it could be under or over diagnosed. However, careful clinical evaluation and additional tests should lead to an adequate diagnosis. The goal of treatment is to improve function, relieve pain, and achieve remission. The clinical management of CRPS involves pharmacotherapy, non pharmacological pain coping skills such as physical, psychological and interventional therapies. Timely diagnosis and validation of clinical presentation for CRPS may result in a better outcome.