What is RSDS or
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome?
Who does RSDS affect
and how is it caused?
How is it treated?
What are the symptoms
of RSDS?
How is RSDS
diagnosed?
How is pain managed?
How common is RSDS?
Which parts of the
body can be affected by RSDS?
How long does RSDS
last?
Can I sue my
physician because I developed RSDS?
What is RSDS or
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome?
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) is a complex,
poorly understood disorder of the sympathetic nervous system
that is characterized by chronic, severe pain and progressive
changes in skin, muscle, and bone. Although the precise causes
of RSDS are unknown, it often occurs following an injury. It
often affects the hand or foot, but may also involve the knee,
hip, shoulder, or other sites. It is not a fatal disease and
often goes away with time, but the disease may take several
years to run its course.
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Who does RSDS affect and how is it caused?
Anyone can be affected by RSDS, including children, but it is
most common in women over the age of 50 years. It may also be
caused by infections, cuts, pricks of fingers or toes, soft
tissue injuries, crush injuries, injury to a body part, some
surgical procedures, invasive procedures, and repetitive motion
disorders. It has also been seen to develop after a heart attack
or head injury. However, some people develop RSDS without any
apparent underlying cause.
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How is it treated?
Early diagnosis and proper treatment are very important if RSDS
is to be successfully managed. If left untreated, RSDS may
spread to other areas of the body and ultimately lead to total
disability. Because there is currently no cure for RSDS,
treatment is used to: 1) control and minimize pain; 2) restore
function to the affected limb; 3) prevent progression; and 4)
improve the patient's quality of life. Physical therapy with
supervised exercises may help maintain flexibility and strength.
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What are the symptoms of RSDS?
Although the signs and symptoms of RSDS vary depending on the
stage of the disorder, the one common symptom is pain, normally
described as burning in nature. Other symptoms include a
weakness or wasting of the affected area. It is important to
remember that at any given time, the symptoms associated with
RSDS may change.
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How is RSDS diagnosed?
RSDS is often difficult to diagnose. This is because there is no
specific test which will define whether or not someone has RSDS.
Your physician will review your medical history and the nature
of your present problem and examine the affected areas. In some
cases, X-rays and/or a bone scan will be done.
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How is pain managed?
Acetaminophen, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory drugs are
often used. A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator)
unit may be used with some patients. A TENS unit is a small,
battery-operated device which relieves pain by blocking nerve
impulses. Biofeedback is a technique which can help control
pain, blood flow, and skin temperature. Another approach for
pain consists of blocking the sympathetic nervous system by
injecting a numbing agent near the affected nerves or alongside
the spinal column. A series of three to five blocks may be given
over a period of 7 to 14 days.
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How common is RSDS?
Reports have ranged from 100,000 to up to a million new cases a
year.
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Which parts of the body can be affected by RSDS?
The parts of the body most commonly affected by RSDS are the
hand and wrist, foot and ankle, or the knee. Sometimes a whole
limb can be affected.
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How long does RSDS last?
If someone has mild RSDS, symptoms can settle quickly without
any specific treatment. In severe cases, however, RSDS can last
for months or years. Some patients have permanent pain and
disabilities.
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Can I sue my physician because I developed RSDS?
It is not medical negligence to develop RSDS following injury,
surgery, or other medical treatment. However, failure to timely
diagnosis RSDS (within the three month period), failure to refer
to a neurologist or a pain clinic, or failure to properly treat
the condition may in certain instances constitute medical
negligence. You should consult with an attorney to discuss the
specifics of your case.
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