Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

The complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) affects one or more extremities and is clinically marked by pain and other disturbances including sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor, and motortrophic disturbances. Most cases are triggered by a physical injury of the involved extremity. The underlying disease mechanisms are considered complex and remain to be elucidated; however, the neurogenic inflammation and dysregulation of the autonomic and sensory nervous systems are assumed to play important roles. Although there are many different treatment strategies, the disease course varies broadly and a minority of cases develop chronic, severe CRPS with persistent pain and functional impairment.