Causalgia
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Causalgia
| Name: Causalgia |
| Also known as: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type Two |
| Abnormal reaction to a nerve injury resulting in excessive inappropriate stimulation of the nerve. |
Causes of Causalgia
Injury to a nerve in a limb. |
Symptoms of Causalgia
Three phases occur.
Phase one: swelling and intermittent severe burning pain of the forearm and hand, or lower leg and foot, starting within three months of a nerve injury.
Phase two: thin, shiny, cool skin that sweats excessively replaces normal skin on the affected limb three to six months after the injury, and pain continues.
Phase three: after a further three to six months, the skin becomes very thin, scar tissue develops in the limb, and affected joints become contracted, painful and immobile. |
Tests for Causalgia
No specific diagnostic tests. Electromyography (EMG: measurement of electrical impulses in muscles) may be abnormal. |
Treatment for Causalgia
Unsatisfactory. Physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids have been tried.
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Complications of Causalgia of its treatment
Permanent disability involving the affected limb common. |
Likely Outcome of Causalgia
Poor. Symptoms often persist long term. |
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