There are plenty of injuries that can be sustained from motor vehicle accidents, but today we’re going to take a look at one in particular: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

The causes of  CRPS aren’t completely understood yet, but research has shown that it most commonly occurs after physical trauma such as a car or truck accident.

 

Two Types

 There are two known kinds of CRPS. For each type, the symptoms are the same, but the probable causes are different.

 

CRPS-I

 Type one, once known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is the most common form of CRPS. It is classified as type one when damage to the nerves in the affected body part has not been identified yet. The nerve damage is typically more subtle in these cases. About 90% of CRPS victims have type CRPS-I.

 

CRPS-II 

Type two used to be called Causalgia, and occurs after an injury that directly caused nerve damage. CRPS is classified as CRPS-II once the specific nerve injury has been identified.

 

Symptoms 

Like many severe personal injuries, CRPS causes chronic pain and discomfort. However, CRPS generally affects body parts including arms, legs, hands, and feet. Below are a few more specific symptoms that distinguish the condition from others.

  • Continuous burning or throbbing sensation in the affected area.
  • Swelling.
  • Unprovoked pain.
  • Prolonged pain after use of affected limb.
  • Sensitivity to the cold, and or being touched.
  • Muscle spasms, tremors, and weakness.
  • Changes in hair and nail growth.
  • Abnormal sweating.
  • Changes in skin color. Skin can turn white, or develop red or blue blotchiness.
  • Stiff and swollen joints.
  • Tender, thin, or shiny skin texture.
  • Atrophying or excess bone growth.

Symptoms can change over time, and vary from person to person. However, once skin and nail changes, and or muscle spasms start to occur, the condition becomes incurable. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

If CRPS is not diagnosed and treated in time, the victim can undergo atrophy, or contracture. Contracture happens when extreme muscle tightening leads to the affected area becoming stuck in one position.

 

Possible Causes

 It is not yet known why some people develop CRPS after an injury while others do not. However, over 90% of cases are caused by nerve trauma or injury to the affected body part. Below are the most common known causes of CRPS in some patients.

  • Fractures.
  • Sprains and strains.
  • Surgery (even if the procedure goes well.)
  • Forms of limb immobilization, usually from having a cast.
  • Puncture wounds that hit a nerve.
  • Cuts and burns.

These injuries are commonly obtained in car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, slip and falls, and workplace accidents.

 

Treatment

 Luckily, there are various forms of treatment for CRPS. However, these treatments can be expensive, which is why it is so important to pursue compensation after an accident.

  • Rehabilitation.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Psychotherapy, which is often prescribed due to the depression and anxiety often caused by living with CRPS.
  • Medications.
  • Sympathetic nerve block.
  • Spinal fluid drug pumps.
  • Surgical sympathectomy.

If you’ve been in an accident, it’s imperative that you seek medical attention to prevent further injury, and to protect your personal injury claim.

 

Why Hire a Lawyer?

 Because of the tricky nature of CRPS, there are a variety of expenses to factor into the value of your injury.

  • Past, present, and future injury related medical expenses.
  • Pain and suffering experienced due to the drastic change in day-to-day life.
  • Living expenses in the event that you are unable to work for a set amount of time, or in some cases, ever again.

Your personal injury attorney can help you prove your claim, calculate the settlement needed, and guide you through the legal process so you can focus on what matters most – recovering.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation where you will receive free legal advice from a dedicated Kansas City lawyer near you. Let us help you win the compensation you deserve.