$Unique_ID{BRK01271}
$Pretitle{Accidents, Poisoning, and Violence, Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{What Does "Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy" Mean?}
$Subject{reflex dystrophy accident}
$Volume{O-2, F-2}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Does "Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy" Mean?


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QUESTION:  My son was hurt recently in an auto accident.  Although at first we
did not think his injury was severe he has continued to have constant pain in
his left arm, and the physician has called his condition "reflex sympathetic
dystrophy".  Can you tell me what this means and what can be done to relieve
the pain?  We appreciate all the help you can offer.

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ANSWER:  Normally pain impulses are carried by the sensory nerves in the body
and the sympathetic system controls such things as sweating, blood circulation
and temperature regulation.  However, when this system begins to malfunction
after an accident, it can affect the area of injury in a variety of unusual
ways.  It may change the perception of pain, the manner in which the skin
senses cold and touch, the temperature and color of the skin, and the sweating
function of the skin.  When these symptoms can be related to the injury,
rather than to other nerve problems, such as result from diabetes, nerve
tumors or conditions which cause pressure on the nerve (carpel tunnel syndrome
for example) the diagnosis may be "reflex sympathetic dystrophy".  There is a
burning pain, sometimes described as throbbing in nature and it may affect an
entire arm or leg in the region of the injury.  As the condition progresses
there are changes in the consistency of the skin, loss of body hair in the
area, muscle wasting and swelling and edema.  The nails become brittle and the
joints may atrophy.  Corticosteroids may be used in the early stages of the
condition but if the symptoms last more than 6 months the chance of recovery
is remote.  Ordinary short acting pain killers do little to relieve the
constant pain, and the physician may resort to injecting a local anesthetic or
nerve blocking agent to determine if the pain can be stopped in that fashion.
Repeated blocks may be used but if the help lasts for but a short time,
surgical procedures may be necessary, using a permanent sympathectomy or
complete block of the affected nerves to achieve the needed pain relief.  Once
the condition is chronic, many patients require antidepressants,
anticonvulsants and narcotic pain medications to control their symptoms.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
