Understanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Having to deal with a diagnosis of any injury or illness can be a devastating situation; however, one of the most frightening is the diagnosis of what is known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). A progressive and chronic condition, CRPS is pain that is not clearly understood or classified – instead, it is defined as pain that affects any area of the body, although commonly it targets the arms and legs of a patient. Currently, there are many different theories in circulation as to the cause of this debilitating condition. One is that it stems from damage to the nervous system – another is that it is actually caused by an immune response.

These two theories lead to the two different forms that CRPS can take. The first form is known as Type I or reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) in which the victim suffers from a chronic nerve disorder. Type II, otherwise known as causalgia, is the direct and obvious damage to a nerve within the body. Symptoms of CRPS include, most obviously, severe and even burning pain that intensifies over time instead of going away. This can start out as temperature changes of the skin and muscle spasms to cracking nails and stiff joints and finally to limited movement, as well as what is known as muscle wasting.

Unfortunately, CRPS can be caused by anything from nerve damage sustained in a serious car accident to a surgical error attributed to medical malpractice. If you or a loved one have been victimized, however, you do not have to suffer in silence. By getting the involvement of an experienced Pasadena personal injury lawyer, you can take the necessary steps towards building a case and fighting for fair financial compensation to cover all damages that you have sustained.

At McGee, Lerer & Associates, we have been proud to serve the Pasadena community for years. Clients know that should they choose to work with us that we will always go above and beyond in our efforts to provide comprehensive and reliable legal assistance when it is needed most. If you would like to take advantage of our free case consultation, please do not hesitate to pick up the phone today to contact a Pasadena injury attorney from our firm. We have weekend and evenings appointments available and can even meet you at your hospital if you are unable to come to come to our office. So don’t wait – call us today.