Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Classification, Damage, Mechanisms, and Treatment: A Narrative Review

Seyed Majid Haghighat-Shoar; Mehrdad Mokaram Dori; Azita Farzaneh

doi:10.18502/aacc.v9i5.13966

Seyed Majid Haghighat-Shoar Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Mehrdad Mokaram Dori Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Emam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of medical Science, Mashhad, Iran.
Azita Farzaneh Department of Pediatric, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/aacc.v9i5.13966

Keywords: Budapest criteria; Complex regional pain syndromes; Pain; Reflex sympathetic dystrophy

Abstract

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, is a situation specified by persistent regional pain. The aberrant functioning of the neurological system is believed to be the root cause of an exaggerated reactivity to pain signals that are unable to switch off the sensation of pain. It is characterized by such symptoms as swelling, alterations in the color of the skin and tissues, along with edema. Although it most commonly affects the limbs, such as the arm, leg, hand, or foot, these symptoms can manifest themselves in any part of the body. The existence or nonexistence of nerve injury is used to classify patients into one of two subgroups, I or II, when referring to this illness. Since many medical professionals are unfamiliar with the diagnosis of CRPS and its etiology is not fully elucidated, the condition is frequently incorrectly diagnosed. The treatments available for CRPS focus on alleviating symptoms, regaining organ function, and cosseting a person's quality of life, despite the fact that no cure for the condition has been identified.