Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Ency. home > Disease > C > Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
CRPS; RSDS; Causalgia; Shoulder-hand syndrome; Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome; Sudeck's atrophy
Definition:
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain syndrome with two forms. CRPS 1 currently replaces the term "reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome". It is a chronic nerve disorder that occurs most often in the arms or legs after a minor or major injury. CRPS 1 is associated with severe pain; changes in the nails, bone, and skin; and an increased sensitivity to touch in the affected limb. CRPS 2 replaces the term causalgia, and results from an identified injury to the nerve. Causes and Risks CRPS often develops after an injury or infection that has occurred in an arm or leg. It can also occur after heart attacks and strokes. However, the condition can sometimes appear without obvious injury to the affected limb. The cause of CRPS is not completely understood. It is thought to result from damage to the nervous system, including the nerves that control the blood vessels and sweat glands. The damaged nerves are no longer able to properly control blood flow, sensation, and temperature to the affected area. This leads to medical problems in the nerves, blood vessels, skin, bones, and muscles. This condition is more common in people between the ages of 40-60, but has been seen in younger people too.
Ency. home > Disease > C > Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
From the Blogs
-
American Idol Buzz
12/4: Grammy noms, A talk with Kimberley Locke, coming to Athens in concert Friday/Saturday
Table Talk
-
Atlanta Music Scene
-
Radio & TV Talk
-
Movie Talk
-
Chatter
Best Bets: Radio "Life," 60 Percent of Yes and a Moving "Herod"
-
Misadventures in Atlanta
-
Peach Buzz
-
Social Butterfly
-
Best of the Big A
Best of the Big A
-
Current nominations
-
Current voting
What's the best place to buy a gift for a person who has everything?
-
Latest winner

