Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), according to the McGill Pain Index, is one of the greatest chronic pains a person can experience. CRPS is an uncommon source of chronic pain that generally affects the limbs. Beyond the pain of living with CRPS is the fear and frustration of dealing with a disabling and poorly understood condition. This medical condition interferes with your ability to live life on your terms.

If you or a loved one suffers from complex regional pain syndrome as a result of an injury caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Law Offices of Samer Habbas, we understand the emotional, physical and financial ramifications of this syndrome on those who fall victim to it. We are ready to help you get the justice that you deserve.

What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes CRPS as a chronic condition characterized by excessive or prolonged pain, changes in skin coloration or temperature, and swelling the in body part that is affected. Although CRPS is most common in the arms, hands, legs or foot, this nerve disorder can affect any part of the body. Approximately 70 percent of victims experience pain that spreads to other regions of the body.

CRPS is also referred to as causalgia and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (or RSD). This condition is thought to be a result of nervous system dysnfunction and can appear after some sort of trauma or injury.

Symptoms of CRPS

The amount and duration of pain associated with complex regional pain syndrome far exceed what would commonly be expected from a nerve injury. Common symptoms include:

• Burning pain and extreme sensitivity to touch
• Stiffness and swelling
• Deterioration in motor abilities
• Changes in skin color or texture
• Changes in skin temperature and sweatiness
• Changes in nail and hair growth

There is no cure for CRPS. This condition doesn’t even have a clear diagnostic test. Instead, if you display symptoms, your doctor will take a full medical history and perform tests to eliminate other conditions. Lack of a test makes diagnosing CRPS difficult and arranging for adequate treatment challenging.

Unfortunately, obtaining the necessary care and treatment for complex regional pain syndrome can be both challenging and expensive. If you are diagnosed with CRPS, it is common to find yourself battling depression, anxiety and mood disorders as well, which can easily add to your existing challenges. This is exactly why you need to hire a Los Angeles injury attorney who specifically has experience with CRPS. The legal team at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas has the knowledge and perseverance in fighting for our clients who are suffering from CRPS.

Therapies and Treatments for CRPS

While there is no definitive cure for complex regional pain syndrome, there are several treatments and therapies that can help keep the pain and progression of the syndrome under control. Common therapies and treatments include:

• CRPS Ketamine Infusion Therapy
• CRPS Physical Therapy
• CRPS Cognitive Therapy
• CRPS Drug Therapy

Another treatment for CRPS involves an implant of a motor cortex electrical stimulator near the base of the spinal cord or the injured limb. The stimulator sends low-level electrical signals to specific nerves and blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. This is a painful and expensive treatment that is reserved for sufferers with severe or fairly advanced CRPS.

If you don’t treat CRPS by pain management therapy, you can suffer even more debilitating conditions, such as:

• Chronic nerve pain
• Loss of dexterity
• Muscle atrophy
• Permanent disability

Common Causes of CRPS

The cause of CRPS is not known. Some experts point to the inflammatory response associated with the condition and suggest that this indicates that it is a disruption in the healing process. However, one thing is clear – certain injuries generally trigger complex regional pain syndrome. It can be the result of injuries suffered in various accidents, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slip and falls
• Workplace accidents
• Surgery or incidents of medical malpractice

CRPS can appear either immediately following an injury or symptoms may take several years to surface. Regardless of how long it takes for you to be diagnosed with CRPS, you may be entitled to compensation if you developed this painful medical condition as a result of another party’s negligence. Our legal team can help you get the full compensation that you deserve.

Contact an Experienced Los Angeles CRPS Injury Attorney

At the Law Offices of Samer Habbas, we specialize in personal injury litigation of all matters – especially emerging cases involving CRPS. Our Los Angeles CRPS injury attorneys will work hard to protect your legal rights, refer you to the best medical specialists, and try to recover all of your CRPS-related expenses. For more information to schedule a free consultation with our legal team, please call 949-727-9300.