Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is actually a bit difficult to pin-point as a disease, because reflex is actually an action of the nervous system and not a disease per se
More popularly known as Complex Regional Paresthesia (CRPS) or Sensory Neuropathy, Reflex Sympathetic Dysfunction Syndrome (RSD) usually affects the lower extremities but some symptoms may show up almost anywhere on the body.
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is caused when the sympathetic nervous system, becomes overactive and the sympathetic nerves in the brain to send signals to the brain which causes pain to occur. This pain is often described as burning, stinging, or tingling sensation in the affected region. In some people, the area of the pain will only affect one side of their body, while others experience pain from all sides.
There is no single reason for RSD. Many factors have been found to be associated with OSD, including: aging; stress; medications such as pain relievers; pregnancy; diabetes; genetics; and obesity. RSD symptoms include chronic pain in the nerve region. Some people are known to even experience numbness, tingling, or burning in their hands and feet. Some people also notice muscle weakness and difficulty walking and speaking.
To accurately diagnose reflex sympathetic dysfunction syndrome, doctors must perform a series of tests, such as a lumbar puncture and MRI. Doctors will also assess the affected patient's condition for conditions that may contribute to or worsen symptoms. There are three types of reflex sympathetic dysfunction syndrome which include:
The first type of RSD is called CRPS or complex regional paresthesia syndrome. Because CRPS is very difficult to diagnose, it is estimated that about eighty percent of patients with CRPS will be misdiagnosed. Because reflex sympathy dysfunction can cause symptoms at different times of the year, doctors may overlook early symptoms and treat them like other conditions, making treatment more difficult. promote.
The second type of RSD is called complex regional paresthesia syndrome. It is similar to CRPS in that it causes pain in one or more parts of the body, but it also causes pain that can spread to other parts of the body. Because CRPS symptoms can occur in more than one location on the body, they are more difficult to diagnose and can spread over a longer period of time than CRPS.
The last type of RSD is called Sensory Neuropathy Syndromes or SNDS, which occurs due to damage to nerves in the peripheral nervous system. SNDS can cause numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in areas where the affected body part touches the skin. Although SNDS symptoms are generally more localized, they may also travel through the entire body and cause pain in several different places.
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is diagnosed using the Structural Neurologic Assessment Scale or SNAS, which has a scoring system developed by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders. For many people, this score is used to diagnose Reflex Sympathetic Dysfunction Syndrome. However, other tests and assessments are necessary for a proper diagnosis. If reflex sympathetic nerve damage is the cause of your symptoms, you will need additional testing to determine the exact cause of the problem and appropriate treatment options.
SNAS is based on the research of nerves and how they work in the spinal cord and the brain. There are three levels of SNAS, which refer to the length and thickness of the nerves. For example, the first level of SNAS refers to the longest, thickest nerve fibers and the second level of SNAS refers to the shortest, thinnest nerve fibers. Your doctor will examine how the fibers in your spinal cord and the area where your symptoms occur in order to measure the SNAS scores for each nerve.
Your doctor will perform tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning, which uses sound waves to look inside the body to identify areas of tissue damage. The results will show if the nerve is damaged or not. Your doctor may also perform a CT scan in order to identify the exact location of the damaged nerve, to see if it is making contact with the muscle or tissues that it's supposed to. be contacting.
Once you have been diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, you will begin the diagnostic process by getting a physical exam. Your doctor will ask questions to determine if your symptoms and reflex numbness/pain are caused by any other health problem, like fibromyalgia or another disorder. Your doctor will also ask questions to help determine whether you may have a spinal cord or neurological problem that may be causing your pain.