Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain condition classified as type 1 and type 2. The two classifications are distinguished by the presence of documented nerve injury in CRPS type 2. The symptoms of CRPS, including cold, blue, and painful extremities, are believed to occur from vasoconstriction caused by sympathetic dysfunction. Treatment in CRPS focuses on targeting neuropathic and sympathetically maintained pain. Traditional antineuropathic pain medications include membrane stabilizers and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Corticosteroids and nonsteroidals target the inflammatory process present in the initial stages of CRPS. Bone resorption has been treated with calcium-modulating drugs. Interventional therapies include sympathetic blockade of the affected extremity, spinal cord stimulation, and intrathecal drug delivery. All these therapies have been implemented in an effort to facilitate functional restoration of the affected limb. Physical and occupational therapies have demonstrated some of the most significant improvements in pain, mobility, and function.