CRPS: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS is medically defined as a progressive pain syndrome characterized by severe pain that can be burning, electrical like or shooting. Pain associated with CRPS is generally centered around the site of injury. CRPS is typically a subjective medical condition. This means there is no objective test, such as an X-ray or MRI, which can diagnose CRPS.

If you or a loved one suffers from CRPS as a result of an accident caused by the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. To successfully prove your case, it is important to hire an Orange County accident attorney who is familiar with this type of medical condition.

Symptoms of CRPS

CRPS is a nerve injury that generally affects your arms, hands, legs and feet. Common symptoms of CRPS include:

• Severe chronic pain
• Burning sensation
• Swelling and stiff joints
• Spasms, weakness and atrophy in the muscles
• Skin changes, such as color changes, increased sweating and temperature changes
• Hair and nail changes
• Sensitivity to even the lightest touch

Other common secondary symptoms of CRPS include depression, anxiety and other similar mood disorders. There is no cure for CRPS. Treatment is mostly focused on relieving the pain. Treatment may include physical and occupational therapy, psychological therapy and pain management. These treatments can be costly.

Types and Causes of CRPS

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is categorized as:
• Type I: CRPS, reflex neurovascular dystrophy without any evidence of nerve cell damage
• Type II: Causalgia with evidence of nerve damage

CRPS is generally caused by a traumatic event, like a bone fracture, torn ligament or automobile accident. It is believed that the traumatic event desensitizes and excites the nerves in the injury area. The damaged tissues resulting from the trauma sensitize neighboring nerves which result in the hyper-excitability of the nervous system.

Early detection of CRPS is important in preventing further disability, debility, progression of symptoms and may facilitate remission.

Call Us

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS resulting from an injury caused by the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. To ensure you get the full money damages you deserve, you need to consult with and hire an Orange County CRPS attorney.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with an OC accident lawyer, please call the Law Offices of Samer Habbas at (888) 848-5084.