Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Flashcards
What is complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)?
-pain disproportionate to an injury that is either sympathetically maintained or independent of the sympathetic nervous system
Type I of CRPS develops…
-after a noxious event
Type II of CRPS develops…
-after a nerve injury
What are common symptoms of CRPS?
- allodynia (sensation misinterpreted as pain)
- hyperalgia (increased response to painful stimuli)
- hyperpathia (pain that continues after stimuli is removed)
- edema
- contractures
- bluish or red shiny skin
- abnormal sweating and hair growth
- muscle spasms
- decreased strength
- low activity tolerance
What is allodynia?
-when sensation is misinterpreted as pain
What is hyperalgia?
-an increased response to painful stimuli
What is hyperpathia?
-pain that continues after stimuli have been removed
One form of medical treatment is a stellate or sympathetic block. What is this?
-an injection of local anesthetic into the front of the neck or lumbar region of the back to block pain
One form of medical treatment is an intrathecal analgesia. What is this?
-an injection of pain medication into the spinal canal
One form of medical treatment is the removal of a neuroma. What is this?
-a surgery performed to remove a thickened nerve
One form of medical treatment is the installation of a spinal cord stimulator. What is this?
-a small electrical pulse generator is implanted in the back to control pain
One form of medical treatment is the installation of a peripheral nerve stimulator. What is this?
-electrodes placed on the peripheral nerves to send electrical impulses to control pain
What type of ROM is recommended for OT CRPS interventions?
-gentle, pain-free AROM for short periods
What type of ROM should not be done as part of OT CRPS intervention?
-no PROM or painful treatment
Scrubbing the floor or carrying a weighted handbag are examples of ____, a possible OT intervention for CRPS.
-stress loading
