Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), which is also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), commonly describes a condition which produces chronic pain in the arms or legs after a surgery, stroke, heart attack, or other injury. This pain is generally out of proportion to the stimulus which touches the affected area, such as small splashes of water feeling like shards of ice or moderate heat feeling like intense burning. RSD may also alter blood-flow in the skin above the affected area, causing warm redness or cool blueness.

There are two types of RSD depending on whether an identifiable nerve injury is present: Type 2 RSD involves an identifiable nerve injury, such as a severed nerve or spinal cord injury (SCI). Type 1 RSD, however, involves only RSD and the associated pain without the nerve injury, though there may be some nerve fiber damage which contributes to pain.
Although there is no cure for RSD, a variety of treatment options are available. Also, the sooner the condition is identified, the greater likelihood it can be put into remission.

Treatment may include:

Prescription medication
Occupational/physical therapy and other forms of therapy to restore movement in the injured part of the body
Nerve blocks or spinal pumps, which may be necessary when symptoms are not relieved by medication or other treatment
Counseling or therapy to address psychological harm or distress

If you are suffering from RSD since being involved in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages, but you must be prepared to demonstrate the severity of your injury, its connection to your accident, and that another person’s negligence caused the accident.

Here are some common tips to maximize your chances of a successful case:

Attend all of your scheduled doctor’s appointments without exception and report your symptoms to your doctor at each appointment;
Comply with all treatment-related directives from your doctor, whether they involve medication, therapy, counseling, or a combination of these and/or other forms of care;
Gather evidence of how your life has been affected by RSD, including photos/videos and testimony from you as well as friends and relatives who can attest to your injuries and resulting pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.

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Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

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