CRPS directly affects the nervous system, which consists of the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System. The Peripheral Nervous System essentially connects the Central Nervous System to the rest of the human body; the Peripheral Nervous System can be further categorized into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. Further the autonomic nervous system consists of the parasympathetic system and the sympathetic system.
CRPS is a result of irregularities with the sympathetic system. The sympathetic system regulates the body’s flight-or-flight. Essentially, the sympathetic system allows the human body to quickly respond under acute stress – it increases heart rate, breathing rate, and blood flow (to muscles) among other things. As mentioned above, CRPS is directly related to the sympathetic system. In people with CRPS, the sympathetic system constantly sends pain signals (even without a valid reason) resulting in the constant pain experienced by those diagnosed with CRPS.
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CRPS affects people in three different stages. The first stage of CRPS can last one month to three months and be accompanied by the following: severe burning/aching that worsens with light touch (or even light breeze); fluctuation in skin temperature (hot and cold); increased sweating in affected area; increased hair and nail growth; joint pain; muscle spasms; changes in appearance, color, and skin texture of the affected area. The second stage of CRPS can last three months to six months and is typically accompanied by the following: cracked and brittle nails; more obvious changes in the skin; weakening muscles; stiffening joints; increased pain. By the third stage of CRPS, there is atrophy in the muscles and tendons causing difficulty in using the extremity and (possibly) clawing; these effects of CRPS could be permanent.The Budapest Criterion
Many conditions can be easily diagnosed with a few tests. CRPS, however, is not one of these conditions. There is no way to effectively test whether a person has CRPS; therefore, diagnoses must be made using the Budapest criterion. The Budapest criterion can lead to a diagnosis of CRPS under the following circumstances:
- The patient demonstrates a constant (continuous) pain without a specific cause
- The patient reports suffering at least one symptom in each of the following categories:
- Motor or trophic
- Sensory
- Sudomotor or oedema
- Vasomotor
- The patient is exhibiting at least one symptom in two or more of the following categories at the time of medical evaluation:
- Motor or trophic
- Sensory
- Sudomotor or oedema
- Vasomotor
- There is no other possible diagnosis that explains the patient’s symptoms (and visible signs) Once you get a diagnosis, you might start thinking of the possibility of taking legal action against the party or entity that contributed to your CRPS.
CRPS and Pursuing a Claim
CRPS isn’t something that just happens without an explanation – although it might seem that way. CRPS occurs after a traumatic injury or surgery; CRPS can also occur after a nerve injury. Workplace accidents, medical malpractice incidents, and personal injury accidents (motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, car accidents, truck accident, etc.) can all potentially lead to CRPS. Were you involved in any of the incidents mentioned above? Did you suffer injuries as a result of the negligent actions of a party that owed you a duty of care? If you developed CRPS after being harmed by the negligent actions of a party, you could hold the liable party liable for your CRPS diagnosis. You might have the right to pursue a claim, and you might be eligible to recover compensation (medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, punitive damages, etc.).Learn more about your options for compensation by calling (213) 389-3765.