SANTA CLARITA COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME ATTORNEY

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (also known as CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that arises after an injury or trauma. It's not terrible common but can easily be overlooked.  It is characterized by intense pain, swelling, and changes in the skin's color and temperature in the affected area. CRPS can significantly affect a person's quality of life and ability to work, basically making it a critical consideration in personal injury cases where the condition is alleged to have developed due to an accident or injury.

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

CRPS, formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a disorder characterized by prolonged severe pain, typically affecting one limb but occasionally spreading to other parts of an injured person's body. The exact cause of CRPS is not fully understood. Most doctors think it involves the malfunctioning of the peripheral and central nervous systems, resulting in persistent pain that is disproportionate to the initial injury. ​CRPS is a chronic pain disorder typically affecting a limb after an injury, characterized by severe pain, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature.

Common Reasons for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

The most common trigger for CRPS is trauma or injury, especially fractures, sprains, surgery, or even minor injuries like burns or cuts. It can also develop after immobilization of a limb or as a complication of surgery. In some cases, the condition arises spontaneously without any identifiable trigger.

Diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

​Diagnosing CRPS can be challenging because there is no specific test for it. Doctors typically rely on clinical examination, patient history, and ruling out other possible causes of the symptoms. Key diagnostic criteria include:

• Persistent, severe pain that is disproportionate to the initial injury
• Presence of sensory abnormalities like increased sensitivity to touch or temperature changes
• Swelling, changes in skin color or texture, and abnormal sweating in the affected area
• Symptoms that worsen over time rather than improve
• Imaging studies such as X-rays, bone scans, or MRI may be used to support the diagnosis by ruling out other conditions.

Can CRPS Result from a Car Accident or Other Injury?

Yes, CRPS can develop following various types of trauma, including car accidents, falls, workplace injuries, or medical procedures. The likelihood of developing CRPS after an injury varies, and not everyone who experiences trauma will develop the condition. The exact mechanisms triggering CRPS are not crystal clear, but most doctors who handle it believe the syndrome involves a complex interplay of nervous system dysfunction and inflammatory processes.

How can an attorney help in CRPS Cases?

Personal injury lawyers can play an important role in cases involving CRPS. They help injury victims who believe their condition was caused or exacerbated (the condition was made worse) by someone else's negligence or wrongful actions. Here’s how they can assist:

• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Attorneys can help investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury to establish liability and causation. They gather medical records, witness statements, and especially expert opinions to build a strong case.
• Negotiation and Settlement: Lawyers negotiate with insurance companies or opposing parties to secure fair compensation for the client's medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
• Litigation: If your case cannot be resolve, an attorney can take the responsible parties to court and formally file a lawsuit. 

Treatment Options for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

While there is no cure for CRPS, various treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and improve function:

• Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises and stretching can help maintain range of motion and prevent muscle atrophy.
• Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to manage pain and improve mood.
• Sympathetic Nerve Block: Injecting an anesthetic next to the spine can temporarily block the sympathetic nerves responsible for pain.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation: A device implanted near the spine delivers electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals.
• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help patients cope with chronic pain and improve their psychological well-being.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a debilitating condition that can significantly impact individuals who develop it following an accident or injury. When it comes to personal injury cases, CRPS requires careful consideration of medical evidence and legal strategies to ensure affected individuals receive appropriate compensation and support. Personal injury lawyers play a critical role in advocating for their clients' rights and seeking justice in cases where CRPS is alleged to be linked to negligence or wrongful actions. Although treatment options exist to manage symptoms, CRPS remains a challenging condition that requires ongoing medical care and support.

One of the premiere experts in CRPS diagnosis and treatment is Dr. Joshua Prager. He is a prominent physician specializing in pain management currently at UCLA. With extensive expertise in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Dr. Prager is widely recognized for his contributions to the understanding and treatment of this challenging condition. Dr. Prager's approach to managing CRPS is multifaceted, combining advanced diagnostic techniques with innovative treatment strategies. His work often involves a comprehensive assessment of patients, utilizing a range of tools to evaluate pain intensity, functional impairment, and psychological factors. This holistic view allows him to tailor treatment plans that address both the physical and emotional aspects of CRPS. Click here to watch a helpful video that helps explain CRPS, its causes and treatment.

​Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case.  He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.  You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

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