Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a poorly understood, difficult to treat and excruciating condition that often takes over a person’s life once diagnosed. The first mentions of the disease date back to the American Civil War, when physicians first noticed that the intense burning and agony that soldiers experienced when being shot occasionally remained after the bullet was removed. Today, there is still precious little research into the disorder, but doctors do know that about 90 percent of cases are the result of clear trauma. In fact, nearly any kind of injury can spark the condition, which is why some doctors liken it to an allergic response to injury. If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence our personal injury lawyers are here to help, call today.

What types of injuries can cause complex regional pain syndrome to appear?

Researchers believe that most people who experience the disorder are undergoing an out of scale reaction to certain physical stimuli. Nerve damage from incidents like car accidents, which might require the expertise of a car accident lawyer, is a common trigger for the disease. Blood vessel damage and anything that may stress the immune or nervous system can also be contributors. In short, there is a huge range of potential triggers and causes, so any accident that causes significant injury has the potential to leave someone with reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

Vehicle accidents are among the leading causes, and in the aftermath, many victims consult a vehicle accident lawyer for advice. Other common incidents that can lead to the condition include falls, explosions, fires, heavy machinery accidents, and surgical mistakes. As burns, broken bones, severe lacerations, damage to nerve tissue, and even bruises can all trigger the disease, any accident that results in trauma is a potential risk factor.

However, some patients develop the condition after extended periods of limb immobilization. This may occur when a broken leg is left in a cast for too long, or when a patient is paralyzed, and the condition emerges as a secondary complication. Specifically, at least 15 percent of people who suffer from hemiplegia (or paralysis of half of the body) will develop complex regional pain syndrome.

What are some signs of the disease?

Because it is a systemic condition, reflex sympathetic dystrophy can cause symptoms all over the body, and it’s rare that two patients experience the exact same spectrum of complications. However, most patients will develop inflammation of nerve tissue, pain that is chronic and intense, loss of limb mobility and flexibility, and poor blood flow in the affected area. Some patients may also experience a variety of sensations around the affected area and may suffer agony from gentle stimuli like air flow, water, subtle vibrations, and touch.

Muscle spasms, limb discoloration (usually due to edema), loss of bone mass, joint stiffness, visual disturbance, fainting, excessive sweating, and psychological complications have all been reported in research literature as well.

Treatment for the disorder is usually a lifelong affair and typically involves extensive physical and psychological therapy, regular medication, and even extreme surgical options like spinal implants and amputation of the affected limb. If a person suffers from this due to an accident or negligence, consulting a spinal injury lawyer might be beneficial. Therapists may also rely on experimental treatment methods such as mirror box therapy. In general, the condition worsens over time and eventually spreads throughout the body.

People who have been injured by the carelessness of another may never get their former lives back if they develop the disease. Medical treatment, job loss, and maintenance therapy will be expensive, so injury victims are encouraged to seek medical and legal assistance immediately.

Attorney Terry Bryant

Attorney Terry BryantTerry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]