Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome: a retrospective pain study

Abstract

While reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) research is lacking and the pathophysiology remains obscure, it is known that it affects all age groups with the common overriding complaint of severe, unrelenting, burning pain. It seems to be triggered by trauma (major or minor), including more central events such as myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident and tumours. Diagnostic characteristics of RSDS are: spontaneous burning pain, hyperalgesia, vasomotor disturbances, exacerbations by emotional upset, occurrence either spontaneously or after minor injury, occasional spontaneous resolution, extension to other body parts, and relief by sympathetic denervation. The problem may recur after earlier resolution. The problem for this author, and others, is the discrepancy between what appears in the literature and what is evidenced in clinical practice. What is being observed is a large number of individuals with RSDS who are not easily treated or cured. The problem for some clients becomes one of total body involvement, with severe incapacitation related to the constant and intense nature of the pain and the accompanying alterations in mobility. This author and two colleagues designed and conducted a study of clients registered with the RSDS Association to delineate the magnitude and long-term effects of RSDS in this sample.