Opinion ID: 2521574
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Text: [¶ 24] Reflex sympathetic dystrophy was first described by medical authorities in 1864 and, until recently, was considered a disorder of the sympathetic nervous system. This network of nerves, located alongside the spinal cord, controls certain functions in our bodies, such as the opening and closing of blood vessels and sweat glands. The disorder is difficult to diagnose because it has many variations, often follows minor injury, and evolves and spreads over time. The disorder is unique in that it simultaneously affects the nerves, skin, muscles, blood vessels, and bones and is characterized by a devastating amount of pain, swelling, discoloration, and stiffness. Robert J. Schwartzman, M.D., New Treatments for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, New Eng. J. Med., Vol. 343, No. 9 (Aug. 31, 2000). [¶ 25] A new name, the complex regional pain syndrome, is gaining recognition because the role of the sympathetic nervous system in many aspects of the illness is not clear, and dystrophy may not occur in all patients. The two types of complex regional pain syndrome are distinguished by whether a definable nerve injury is present. In the early stages of reflex sympathetic dystrophy, the pain is more severe than would be expected for the degree of tissue damage, and the pain spreads progressively from a nerve to a regional distribution. The cause of RSD is unknown. As the illness evolves, pain becomes intense and chronic; nails, hair, skin and bone change; and weakness, swelling, tremors, sleep disruptions, anxiety and depression may be experienced. Id.