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What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

On Behalf of | May 18, 2020 | Firm News

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS, is a common symptom of a car accident that is somewhat mysterious and difficult to diagnose.

This condition develops after different types of traumatic injuries, although the pain it causes is far more extensive than that associated with the injury itself. It can develop after any serious car accident, especially if the victim breaks or seriously injuries his or her arm or leg.

However, even seemingly minor injuries, like a sprained ankle, can cause CRPS.

The tell-tale symptoms of CRPS are serious and lasting pain in the limbs. Swelling and sensitivity to temperature are also symptoms.

The temperature, color and texture of one’s skin in the affected area can also change significantly, outside the bounds of what is normal for an injury.

In severe cases, a person may have a hard time moving and may experience atrophy, or the weakening of one’s muscles. A victim’s muscles can also get stuck in a contracted position.

There are two basic types of CRPS. The first type, which may also get referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or RSD for short, is far and away the more common.

This form of CRPS may develop after an injury, yet the victim will have no sign of damaged nerves.

Doctors diagnose the other, less common type of CRPS when they can directly connect the condition to one’s damaged nerves.

Especially with respect to the first type of CRPS, claiming compensation for this injury can be difficult after an accident.

For example, because it is hard to pin down exactly what caused it, many insurance companies may say that it has nothing to do with the victim’s accident and deny compensation.

Those in the New Orleans area who suffer from CRPS because of an accident may have legal options available to them. They should consider speaking with a Louisiana legal professional with experience handling this type of injury both in accident litigation and insurance claims.