15 Thermography detects variations in the body's radiant heat emission patterns, reflecting the response of the sympathetic nervous system. Variations in heat emissions between affected and unaffected body parts are converted into electronic signals that can be visualized, computer-analyzed, and recorded. The researchers found changes in the blood flow of RSDS patients that they related to sympathetic dysfunction. 17 Focus On Pain Nurses play an extremely important role in early identification of RSDS patients through comprehensive nursing histories, assessments, and documentation. Because early interruption of the transmission of pain via nerve pathways seems to offer the only hope for remission, prompt recognition and early treatment are vital.
Pain relief remains the cornerstone of treatment.
Nurses need to make pain management a priority with these patients. Treatments for RSDS have included everything from analgesics, steroids, nerve blocks, sympathectomies, physical therapy and morphine pumps to acupuncture, hypnosis, and behavior modification. Most of these approaches offer only temporary symptomatic relief. Nevertheless, patients in stages II and III almost never get complete pain relief from analgesics alone. If there is no significant improvement within two weeks, the provider will probably consider the use of steroids or sympatholytic therapy.