Causes of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a life changing condition. Patients with CRPS sometimes describe their pain as stabbing, tearing, crushing or shooting. They may appear “healthy” to others while they actually are suffering from debilitating symptoms.  This dichotomy makes it difficult to diagnose and correspondingly legally challenging to prove.

Common Causes of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

For some people, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome developed after an injury that happened directly to a nerve. For others, it occurred after they sustained a broken bone or other trauma that did not seem to directly affect a nerve.

Some triggers of CRPS include:

• Bone fractures,
• Sprains and strains,
• Soft tissue injuries like cuts, burns or bruises, or
• Having a limb immobilized in a cast or brace.

Even if the injury occurred in a small area of the body, searing pain can extend down the person’s limb and sometimes reach other extremities. Many CRPS sufferers also experience allodynia, which refers to an abnormally painful response to normal contact with the skin.

The prognosis of CRPS depends on each patient’s unique case. Some people do not respond to medical treatment and experience severe pain and disability for the rest of their lives.

Incidents that Have Caused Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Tragically, many preventable personal injuries have led people to develop CRPS. Some of these events include:

• Slip and fall incidents,
• Motor vehicle accidents,
• Dog bites, and
• Medical negligence during surgery or another medical procedure.

After one of these situations occurs, the victim’s life changes forever. Certain daily tasks might suddenly be difficult or impossible to do. The pain may be so intense, the victim may contemplate amputation of a painful limb.  The condition can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts, not to mention the emotional trauma of the incident that caused the injury. Obtaining experienced legal representation won’t make the pain go away, but it can still help CRPS sufferers. In addition to holding the responsible party accountable for negligence, filing a claim can seek compensation for lost wages, medical care, long-term care, pain and suffering, and more.

CaseyGerry has notable success with cases for those suffering from CRPS. We welcome you to contact our firm with any questions.