Subtypes of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS I (old name: reflex sympathetic dystrophy)

CRPS II (old name: causalgia): defined earlier with electrodiagnostic or other definitive evidence or a major nerve lesion.

CRPS-NOS (not otherwise specified): partially meets CRPS criteria; not better explained by any other condition.

Clinical diagnostic criteria for complex regional pain syndrome

1. Continuing pain, which is disproportionate to any inciting event.

2. Must report at least one symptom in three of the four following categories:

  • Sensory:  Reports of hyperesthesia and/or allodynia.
  • Vasomotor: Reports of temperature asymmetry and/or skin color asymmetry.
  • Sudomotor/Edema:  Reports of edema and/or sweating changes and/or sweating asymmetry.
  • Motor/Trophic:  Reports of decreased range of motion and/or motor dysfunction (weakness, tremor, dystonia) and/or trophic changes (hair, nail, skin).

3. Must display at least one sign* at time of evaluation in two or more of the following categories:

  • Sensory: Evidence of hyperalgesia (to pinprick) and/or allodynia (to light touch and/or deep somatic pressure and/or joint movement).
  • Vasomotor:  Evidence of temperature asymmetry and/or skin color changes and/or asymmetry.
  • Sudomotor/Edema:  Evidence of edema and/or sweating asymmetry.
  • Motor/Trophic: Evidence of decreased range of motion and/or motor dysfunction (weakness, tremor, dystonia) and/or trophic changes (hair, nail, skin).

4. There is no other diagnosis that better explains the signs and symptoms.

*A sign is counted only if it is observed at time of diagnosis.

Special Article

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Practical Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines, 4th Edition

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