Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Treatment Approaches

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a symptom complex including severe pain which is disproportioned by the initiating event. Formerly, it was known as reflex sympathetic dystropy, Sudeck s atrophy and algoneurodystrophy. There are two types of complex regional pain syndrome (CPRS). CRPS type 1 (Reflex sympathetic dystropy) occurs after a minor trauma of the extremities, CRPS type 2 (Causalgia) occurs following peripheral nevre injury. Diagnosis is made according to the history, symptoms and physical findings of the patients. Patient education, physical therapy and medical treatment are the most common treatment approaches of complex regional pain syndrome. The aim of this review is to revise the treatment options ofcomplex regional pain syndrome, as well as to overview the new treatment approaches and options for the refractory complex regional pain syndrome cases. [Archives Medical Review Journal 2013; 22(4.000): 514-531]