Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and the Value of Early Detection

Michael Alexander Harnik; Pascal Kesselring; Alexander Ott; Richard D Urman; Markus M Luedi

doi:10.1007/s11916-023-01124-3

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and the Value of Early Detection

Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2023 Sep;27(9):417-427. doi: 10.1007/s11916-023-01124-3. Epub 2023 Jul 6.

Authors

Michael Alexander Harnik¹, Pascal Kesselring², Alexander Ott³, Richard D Urman⁴, Markus M Luedi^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. michael.harnik@insel.ch.
² Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
³ Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
⁴ Department of Anaesthesiology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The goal of this narrative review is to describe the current understanding of the pathology of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), as well as diagnostic standards and therapeutic options. We will then make the case for early recognition and management.

Recent findings: CRPS remains an enigmatic pain syndrome, comprising several subtypes. Recent recommendations clarify diagnostic ambiguities and emphasize the importance of standardized assessment and therapy. Awareness of CRPS should be raised to promote prevention, early detection, and rapid escalation of therapy in refractory cases. Comorbidities and health costs (i.e., the socioeconomic impact) must also be addressed early to prevent negative consequences for patients.

Keywords: Awareness; CRPS; Diagnosis; Prevention; Recognition; Treatment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Complex Regional Pain Syndromes* / drug therapy
Complex Regional Pain Syndromes* / therapy
Early Diagnosis
Humans