Also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome or RSDS, a chronic condition characterized by severe burning pain accompanied by swelling, excessive sweating, and extreme sensitivity to touch, pressure, motion, or temperature change.
An abnormal response of the nerves of the face or an extremity, marked by pain, autonomic dysfunction, vasomotor instability, and tissue swelling. Although the precise cause of the syndrome is unknown, it often follows trauma, stroke, neuropathy, or radiculopathy. In about one third of all patients, the onset is insidious. Affected patients often complain of burning pain with any movement of an affected body part, excessive sensitivity to light touch or minor stimulation, temperature changes (heat or cold) in the affected limb, localized sweating, localized changes of skin color, or atrophic changes in the skin, nails, or musculature.
In the realm of pain disorders, there exists a variant of complex regional pain syndrome that lacks discernible peripheral nerve damage. This particular form defies easy identification and diagnosis, as it presents with symptoms and manifestations that are intricate and multifaceted.