RSD vs. CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Key Differences 
There is a lot of confusion over RSD vs. CRPS. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, or RSD, is an older term for a medical condition now called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS. Although the name has changed, scientists have yet to figure out the cause of this painful and debilitating condition. Adults are affected more often than children, and women are more often affected than men.
CRPS is uncommon, but it can develop after an accident, heart attack, infection, surgery, or stroke. At
Hach & Rose, LLP, our
New York City CRPS injury lawyers can explain the key differences between RSD and CRPS and what you can do if an incident caused by a careless individual results in your CRPS diagnosis.
RSD vs. CRPS
Is there a difference between RSD vs CRPS? RSD and CRPS are often used interchangeably to refer to a painful medical condition that causes significant burning pain.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is an older medical term for one form of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. RSD, now called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I, is a chronic pain condition that can occur after an illness or injury that does not directly damage nerves in the affected areas. According to
information from the Mayo Clinic, nearly 90 percent of CRPS cases are type I. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II is different. Although similar to the condition formally called RSD, CRPS type II only occurs after a distinct nerve injury in the affected limb.
Symptoms of CRPS Type I and Type II
The symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I and II are similar in most cases. The most common sign of the disorder is excruciating throbbing or burning pain. Sometimes, even the lightest touch can trigger an intense and painful reaction that can impair movement and functionality. Coping with intense pain can also lead to anxiety, stress, and depression, especially when people don’t understand the complicated nature of the condition because the pain response is typically out of proportion with the severity of the original injury. Both forms of CRPS can affect the arms, legs, hands, and feet and may be characterized by symptoms. Such
symptoms of CRPS include:
- Continuous burning or throbbing pain in the affected limb
- Sensitivity to touch
- Swelling and stiffness in the affected limb
- Changes in skin temperature
- Changes in skin texture
- Changes in hair or nail growth
- Changes in skin color
- Decreased mobility and range of motion
People with CRPS type II may also experience muscle spasms and muscle weakness in addition to the above-mentioned symptoms.
What Causes CRPS?
What are some signs of CRPS? The medical community does not yet know what causes either form of CRPS. The key difference between CRPS type I and CRPS type II is that type II results from direct injury to nerves in the affected limb, while type I can occur without direct nerve damage. Some
studies suggest that CRPS may be a disorder of the immune system that impacts the nervous system. The immune system may attack nerves or produce inflammation of the nerves that impacts blood flow, sensation, and temperature. However, it is still unclear what triggers the development of CRPS in some people and not others. Most cases of CRPS occur after significant trauma to the arms or legs, such as fractures or crushing injuries. Heart attacks, strokes, and infections can also lead to CRPS. Due to the uncertainty over the cause and the range of symptoms, diagnosing CRPS is also challenging. There are no specific diagnostic tests that can detect CRPS. Physicians often rule out other conditions to reach a CRPS diagnosis. Your doctor may also make a diagnosis based on signs consistent with
Budapest Criteria, a list of common symptoms of CRPS initially developed by an international consensus panel. X-rays that identify mineral loss and MRIs that reveal tissue changes can also help medical professionals arrive at a CRPS diagnosis.
Treatment Options for CRPS
Without prompt medical intervention, CRPS type I and type II can lead to significant physical complications like atrophy or tissue wasting and muscle tightening. Both conditions can lead to loss of range of motion and painful mobility issues. There is no cure for CRPS. Most treatment options focus on relieving the condition's symptoms and managing mobility. Physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation can slow the progression of the condition and help people improve a person’s flexibility, muscle strength, and range of motion. Oral medications, nerve blocks, and injected anesthetics can also help manage pain effectively. In some cases, physicians may also opt for surgery to cut affected nerves, preventing painful impulses from reaching the brain. In recent years, new therapies have shown promise in treating CRPS to address the painful symptoms of CRPS. Spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and stem cell therapy may provide new avenues for patients to explore and increase the quality of life for those living with CRPS. Psychological therapy can also help the afflicted person with chronic pain and other long-term effects of CRPS.
What If an Accident Caused CRPS?
Traumatic and catastrophic accidents or collisions can lead to a CRPS diagnosis. The
Mayo Clinic lists forceful trauma to an arm or leg as one of the most common causes of CRPS. Car accidents, truck crashes, and construction accidents that lead to a crushing injury or fracture can potentially lead to a CRPS diagnosis. If a careless individual hurt you in an accident and you were diagnosed with CRPS type I or type II, discuss your situation with an experienced New York personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review the circumstances of the accident and your diagnosis and explain your legal options for pursuing compensation for your medical expenses and financial losses.
Don't know the difference of RSD vs CRPS? At
Hach & Rose, LLP, we understand how a CRPS diagnosis can change your life. We want to help you recover maximum compensation for your losses and give you the strength and support you need to rebuild your life. Call our New York office today at
212-779-0057 or
contact us online to set up a free case review. Our team is ready to fight for you.
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There is a lot of confusion over RSD vs. CRPS. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, or RSD, is an older term for a medical condition now called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS. Although the name has changed, scientists have yet to figure out the cause of this painful and debilitating condition. Adults are affected more often than children, and women are more often affected than men. CRPS is uncommon, but it can develop after an accident, heart attack, infection, surgery, or stroke. At Hach & Rose, LLP, our New York City CRPS injury lawyers can explain the key differences between RSD and CRPS and what you can do if an incident caused by a careless individual results in your CRPS diagnosis. 
Traumatic and catastrophic accidents or collisions can lead to a CRPS diagnosis. The Mayo Clinic lists forceful trauma to an arm or leg as one of the most common causes of CRPS. Car accidents, truck crashes, and construction accidents that lead to a crushing injury or fracture can potentially lead to a CRPS diagnosis. If a careless individual hurt you in an accident and you were diagnosed with CRPS type I or type II, discuss your situation with an experienced New York personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review the circumstances of the accident and your diagnosis and explain your legal options for pursuing compensation for your medical expenses and financial losses.