Pain Expert Witness Needs for Claimant Injuries Related to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
According to a well-known pain expert witness, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a condition that is not easily identifiable but often appears in personal injury cases. CRPS can cause issues for both parties due to the general lack of understanding and awareness of the condition and the difficulty in quantifying the value of appropriate medical treatment. Therefore, it is imperative that personal injury attorneys consult with a pain management medical expert who specializes in CRPS.
What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that most often affects one limb, usually occurring after an injury. In more than 90% of cases, the condition is triggered by a clear recent history of trauma or injury. The most common triggers are fractures, sprains/strains, lacerations, burns, soft tissue injury, limb immobilization or surgery. CRPS represents an abnormal body response that magnifies the effects of the injury.
Although not well understood, CRPS is believed to be caused by damage to, or malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous systems. CRPS is characterized by prolonged or excessive pain and changes in skin color, temperature, and/or swelling in the affected area.
The key symptom is prolonged severe pain that may be constant. The pain related to CRPS has been described as a sensation of “burning,” “extreme pressure” or “pins and needles.” The pain may spread to the entire limb, even though the injury might have only involved a finger or toe. Individuals with CRPS also experience changes in skin temperature, skin color, or swelling of the affected limb.
However, CRPS symptoms vary in severity and duration, although some cases are mild and eventually go away. In more severe cases, individuals may not recover and may have long-term disability.
CRPS is divided into two types: CRPS-I and CRPS-II.
- CRPS-I (also known as, reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome): Individuals without a confirmed nerve injury
- CRPS-II (also known as causalgia): Individuals with a confirmed nerve injury
How to address a claim of complex regional pain syndrome in a legal case?
If you are currently involved in a personal injury case involving CRPS, you may benefit from consulting a board-certified pain management physician who has specific experience in diagnosing and treating complex regional pain syndrome. The right pain medical expert can provide the clarity you need in dealing with this complex medical issue.
If you have a current need for a pain management medical expert, give us a call at 888.853.7944 or request a medical expert online.
