Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Blog

How to Select a CRPS / RSD Lawyer

Stuart Kritzer — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 05:24:09 -0700

Sadly, CRPS / RSD is misunderstood by medical, insurance and legal experts due to its complex nature. If you have been diagnosed with RSD / CRPS as a result of another party’s carelessness, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The American RSDHope web site has a great article with great tips for finding a CRPS / RSD Lawyer.

Key points from this article include:

· Expensive experience handing personal injury cases

· Proven track record of trial experience and victories

· Will work on a contingency fee basis

· Has experience in handling CRPS/RSDS cases specifically

· Is available to you for consultation and compassion

My firm, the Law Offices of Stuart A. Kritzer , is proud to represent CRPS / RSD victims and their families. Our number one goal is to help victims achieve justice through financial compensation.

How is RSD/CRPS Diagnosed?

Stuart Kritzer — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:56:01 -0700

I recently had a conversation with a perspective client who had been injured in an automobile accident and as a result, was experiencing many of the symptoms of RSD / CRPS. Unfortunately, she was being passed around between different specialists who had yet been able to effectively diagnose her condition. She asked me if there was a test or series of tests that could be performed to diagnose or dispel the existence of CRPS / RSD. Unfortunately, there is no specific test that can conclusively diagnose CRPS. The US National Library of Medicine posted the following guidelines for testing for CRPS/RSD.

· Medical Historywww.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007184.htm

· Physical Examination

· Thermography

· Bone Scans

· Nerve Conduction Studies

· Xrays

Additionally, the International Research Foundation for RSD / CRPS has posted the "Clinical Practice Guidelines - Third Edition".

One thing is for certain: Despite the growing awareness of RSD/CRPS, much more research is necessary in the medical and research community.

Can Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) help CRPS patients?

Stuart Kritzer — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:51:41 -0700

Recently the BBC ran a story about the use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to relieve patients that are afflicted with chronic pain conditions.

Simply put, TENS is a therapy that distributes mild electrical currents to the source of pain. When the current is delivered for short intervals several times a day, some people experience less pain. TENS is thought to combat pain by stimulating increased production of natural pain-relieving hormones called endorphins and by blocking various nerve fibres that block pain messages.

Numerous stories of success are chronicled at the American RSDHope web site.

TENS devices are approved and regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More information about TENS can be found online and from your medical professional.

"RSD/CRPS Doesn't Own Me" - A GREAT Site!

Stuart Kritzer — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:01:56 -0700

We recently came across a great RSD/CPRS called RSD/CRPS Doesn’t Own Me. This site contains fantastic information for people affected by RSD/CRPS. If you get a chance, read some of the RSD Angel Stories. There are heartbreaking stories of pain, courage but most importantly hope.

Clinical trials For CRPS / RSD

Stuart Kritzer — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:37:55 -0700

While the cause of CRPS / RSD is unknown and currently there is no cure, the good news is there are organizations sponsoring research studies.

There are numerous clinical trials involving CRPS / RSD that are actively seeking volunteers to participate. An up-to-date list of both closed and open clinical trials can be found at the following sites:

These clinical studies cover pain management strategies ranging from drug, behavioral and devices.

What is a CRPS-educated physician?

Stuart Kritzer — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:08:11 -0700

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) can be difficult to diagnose, as it affects the skin, muscles, joints and bones. There is no clear-cut precipitating event that can be linked to CRPS/RSD. Usually developing in large scale injuries - an injured limb (broken arm / leg) - the the condition can also occur following surgery. Additionally, CRPS/RSD can occur in minor injuries like a sprain or even a pinprick!

Those who suffer from CRPS/RSP report seeing an average of 5 physicians before being accurately diagnosed. It is critical to find a CRPS/RSP-aware physician. What is a “CRPS/RSD physician”? The website of the American RSD Hope Organization posted a great definition:

… A CRPS-educated physician is someone who is up-to-date with the latest information on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, as well as someone who has treated a number of CRPS patients, successfully.

Currently there is no a formal organization for medical professionals focusing on CRPS/RSD. Look for doctors who are experts in pain management and ask their offices if they regularly treat this condition. Contact online CRPS/RSD support groups. There is information available from others with this condition who are more than willing to share it.

What is CRPS / RSD?

Stuart Kritzer — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:35:46 -0700

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a complicated neurological condition evidenced by severe, chronic pain and growing changes to skin, muscle, joints and bone.

Millions of people in the United States may suffer from RSD/CRPS. This condition usually occurs in an injured arm, hand or leg and is most often caused by something as minor as a sprain or broken bone or from a serious crush injury, and spreads in a progressive manner. Many people injured in accidents with what appear to be relatively minor injuries can later suffer from the painful effects of RSD/CRPS. Tragically, other problems like depression, sleeplessness, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, mood swings and overall reduced quality of life are consequences of RSD/CRPS.

People living with CRPS/RSD live with challenges beyond the comprehension of most of us.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a complicated neurological condition evidenced by severe, chronic pain coupled with growing changes to skin, muscle, joints and bone.

Millions of people in the United States may suffer from RSD/CRPS. This condition usually occurs in an injured arm, hand or leg, caused by something as minor as a sprain or broken bone or from a serious crush injury, and spreads in a progressive manner. Many people injured in accidents with what appears to be relatively minor injuries can later suffer from the painful effects of RSD/CRPS. Tragically, other problems like depression, sleeplessness, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, mood swings, and overall reduced quality of life are direct effects of RSD/CRPS.

People living with CRPS/RSD live with challenges that are incomprehensible.