Reflex sympathetic dystrophy: a sympathetically mediated pain syndrome or not?

Curr Rev Pain. 2000;4(4):268-75. doi: 10.1007/s11916-000-0103-6.

Abstract

Because of the controversy concerning the manner in which the sympathetic nervous system is involved in reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), its name was changed to one having no mechanistic connotations. This article reviews the relevant literature in support of not only the taxonomical changes to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) but also provides evidence of sympathetic dysfunction demonstrated in animal models of neuropathic pain.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Inflammation / physiopathology
  • Neurons, Afferent / metabolism
  • Neurons, Afferent / pathology
  • Pain / pathology
  • Pain / physiopathology
  • Presynaptic Terminals / metabolism
  • Presynaptic Terminals / pathology
  • Psychology
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / pathology
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / physiopathology
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / psychology
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / pathology*
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / physiopathology*
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / psychology
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / pathology*
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology*