Reflex
Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) usually affects extremities such
as the hands, feet, with pain and wasting of tissues as its
main symptoms. The illness is much more common than
generally realized, and it may be a component of many other
diseases. RSD can be triggered by an injury such as a cut,
sprain or fracture. Pain, even after the most severe injury,
usually disappears within six weeks as part of the healing
process. However, the symptoms of RSD can develop days,
weeks, or months after an injury. The prolonged (chronic)
pain caused by RSD may be related to the inability of the
sympathetic nervous system to shut down after an injury.
If diagnosed and treated early, RSD is curable. If
undiagnosed and allowed to progress, RSD leads to permanent
deformities, immobility of the limbs, and will spread to
large segments of the body. At an advanced stage of the
illness, all patients have significant psychiatric problems
and narcotic dependency, and are completely incapacitated by
the disease. RSD does not significantly decrease a patient's
life span, so patients fact the existence of continuous
sever pain.
If you believe that you may be suffering from RSD as the
result of an injury, we urge you to call us at
1-401-788-0600 to discuss your legal rights.
Treating RSD
Treatment of RSD is most effective when it is part of a
comprehensive pain management program. This treatment will
usually include psychological evaluations, physical therapy
and pain medication. Treatment of RSD requires an
experienced team effort, especially between the
anesthesiologist and psychologist or psychiatrist. Treatment
may also include the overall coordination of the patient's
care by a rehabilitation provider or nurse with expertise in
the field of RSD.
Problems with RSD
RSD was first diagnosed over 100 years ago during the
American Civil War. While it continues to be a major
catastrophic disease resulting from injury, some physicians
continue to question its existence, especially during the
early stages when the disease presents no definitive
physical evidence. Unfortunately, the physician who fails to
diagnose and initiate early treatment of RSD may foreclose a
possible cure. No laboratory test presently exists to
diagnose RSD in its early stages. The early diagnosis
depends on the ability of the physician to identify and
piece together the many signs of RSD, which do not always
follow the textbook description.
Furthermore, many health care centers lack a standardized
approach to the diagnosis and treatment of RSD. Many
patients find themselves going nowhere or going in circles
their care. This can create problems for patients who are
receiving Workers' Compensation benefits or pursuing
personal injury claims.
Contact us
today by
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or call us today at (401) 788-0600 to speak with
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