Treatment options in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in adults and children – review

Abstract

Abstract

Complex regional pain syndrome is a complex disease characterized by neuropathic pain out of proportion to the injury, followed by neurological malfunctions or circulation issues, swelling, sweating or trophic changes. The disease in most cases is affecting limbs, and is oftenly connected with fractures, injuries or traumas. Exact pathomechanisms underlying CRPS is not fully understood. Diagnosis is made based on physical examination, patient’s history, neurological examination and laboratory tests. Among radiological scans that are used in diagnostic process one can distinguish radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or scintigraphy. Golden standard in making a diagnosis of CRPS are Budapest Clinical Criteria. Management methods in CRPS include physiotherapy, pharmacotherapty, psychotherapy, physical therapy and invasive methods. Main goal is to relieve pain, improve functioning and life quality of the patient.