The Budapest Criteria: Establishing a Diagnosis

The Budapest Criteria: Establishing a Diagnosis

The Budapest Criteria: Establishing a Diagnosis

Over the past few decades, there has been a lot of medical research that has yielded new diagnostic and treatment options for dangerous diseases and deadly injuries, leading to many lives saved. Unfortunately, some serious problems, such as chronic pain, have not seen the same advances. While many people think of chronic pain as something that impacts the elderly, this is also a major problem in children. According to a study published in a journal called Children, and found in the PubMed research study database:

  • About a quarter to a third of all children worldwide have experienced severe pain at some point in their lives
  • More than 10 percent of all children who have been treated in a hospital setting have shown symptoms consistent with chronic pain
  • Around 3 percent of children who have developed chronic pain have required intensive rehabilitation to help them manage their symptoms
  • Chronic pain involving children costs the healthcare system of the United States about $20 billion each year

These statistics demonstrate that chronic pain can impact children as well as adults. One of the conditions that can cause someone to suffer from chronic pain is called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Those who suffer from this disease are often frustrated because they only receive this diagnosis after a battery of unsuccessful tests, incorrect diagnoses, and (in some cases) hospital stays. Therefore, it is important for everyone to understand what the diagnostic criteria are. This will help people receive the correct diagnosis sooner.

The Budapest Criteria: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and the Proper Diagnosis

The Budapest Criteria is the set of criteria that are needed to diagnose someone with RSD. The Budapest Criteria are as follows:

  • Pain that continues for some time after the traumatic accident and is out of proportion to the original injury
  • Lacking a diagnosis that better explains the symptoms
  • Having a symptom in three of the following four areas:
  1. Sensory: Hypersensitivity to touch
  2. Vasomotor: Issues with temperature, color, or asymmetry of the affected limb
  3. Edema: Development of unusual sweating or swelling of the affected limb
  4. Motor: A loss of range of motion, weakness, tremor, contractures, or changes in the hair, nails, or skin of the limb.

These criteria were derived from a research study of around 700 patients who had already been diagnosed with RSD. Over the subsequent years, these criteria have proven to be accurate in quickly and efficiently diagnosing people with this challenging chronic pain condition. The faster someone can be diagnosed with RSD, the sooner treatment can begin. This can make a significant difference in the progression of their symptoms and their quality of life.

After the Diagnosis: Treatment Options

Once someone has been diagnosed with RSD, treatment can begin. The treatment of RSD is multifaceted and is dependent on finding something that will work for the individual patient and their family members. Examples of possible treatment options include:

Oral Pain Medications: This means starting low and going slow. Tylenol and Ibuprofen are often tried first because these have limited side effects and target the inflammation that causes the symptoms. If this doesn’t work, narcotic and opioid medications such as Vicodin and Percocet can be tried. Because these have addictive potential and dangerous side effects, the use of these medications is minimized.

Nerve Injections: Nerve injections involve identifying the specific nerve that is causing the pain (through electromyography, abbreviated EMG) and then injecting this nerve with a dose of an anesthetic, such as lidocaine. If successful, this can provide patients with weeks to months of pain relief before another injection is given.

Surgery: In extreme cases, surgery can be used to physically cut the nerve that is causing the symptoms. This can cause a permanent loss of motor and sensory function, so this is reserved for severe cases; however, for those with intractable pain, this could be the only option.

A Legal Professional is Helpful

Ultimately, receiving the proper treatment is dependent on finding the right diagnosis. The Budapest Criteria can help patients, and medical providers reach this point. Treating RSD is dependent on a well-rounded approach with numerous healthcare providers and medical specialists. In addition to this, meeting with an RSD attorney in Sacramento can be helpful as well. The circumstances surrounding the accident and the diagnosis of RSD deserve to be examined to ensure that no detail has been overlooked. Help is available and all anyone needs to do is ask for it. You and your family could be entitled to receive financial compensation if your injury was caused by the negligence of another.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know needs legal assistance with their diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at 916-382-0693. I am here to provide friendly, free legal advice.

Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.

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Epinephrine, Adrenaline, and Pain with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: A New Treatment?

Epinephrine, Adrenaline, and Pain with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: A New Treatment?

Epinephrine, Adrenaline, and Pain with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: A New Treatment?

Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons that people visit the doctor. Furthermore, chronic pain impacts more people than diabetes, cancer, and heart disease put together. Because of this, chronic pain is a serious drain on the healthcare system in addition to impacting the lives of not only the individual but also the lives of their coworkers, their family members, and their friends. According to a survey that was published titled America Speaks, from the American Academy of Pain Medicine:

  • Many people who suffer from chronic pain have taken significant steps to try to control their pain.
  • About 20 percent of people surveyed said that they had taken time off of work.
  • Over 15 percent of those asked, said that they had even changed jobs completely.
  • 13 percent of individuals surveyed said that they had requested help with their activities of daily living.
  • More than 10 percent had moved to a home that they felt was easier for them to manage.

The lengths that people go to in order to manage their pain should demonstrate to everyone that the symptoms are real and that those who suffer from chronic pain should not be stigmatized. One of the diseases that leads to severe, daily, chronic pain is called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), which is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). There are lots of treatment options for those who suffer from this disease; however, one of the potential treatment targets is epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), according to a recent study.

Epinephrine and the Potential for the Management of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Recently, a study was published that explored the potential of epinephrine to manage the symptoms of RSD. This experimental treatment was published by a team of researchers who were looking for an alternative to the traditional treatment options for chronic pain from this disease. The role of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the production of catecholamines (such as epinephrine and norepinephrine), is still unclear and is under active investigation. The study referenced above involved researchers drawing blood samples from several dozen individuals with RSD. These were then compared with an equal number of blood draws from those who don’t have RSD. In the group with RSD, the levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine were significantly higher than those who didn’t have RSD. Interestingly, the higher the levels of catecholamines, the higher the rate of depression as well. This was calculated using the Beck Depression Inventory and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.

The results of this study demonstrate that levels of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine could play an important role in the development and severity of symptoms in individuals with RSD. Furthermore, this could mean that these hormones should be targeted in the treatment of RSD. Therefore, future studies must explore the potential efficacy of treatment which targets the sympathetic nervous system and these hormones. It could prove beneficial in the management of symptoms related to RSD, such as severe pain and mental health issues.

A Legal Adviser can Provide Key Assistance

It can be challenging to manage the symptoms of RSD, which can cause someone to miss valuable time from work or from school. In order to adequately manage such a severe disease, it is important to incorporate multiple specialists to help with the numerous issues that might arise. Meeting with a caring RSD attorney in Sacramento can help a family review the details of the diagnosis and the accident that might have triggered the disease. You and your family could be entitled to financial compensation.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know needs assistance with a personal injury involving Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at 916-382-0693. I am here to provide friendly, free legal advice.

Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.

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Mirror Therapy for RSD

Mirror Therapy for RSD

Mirror Therapy for RSD

Among the various reasons that someone may visit their healthcare provider, chronic pain is the most common. Most people have felt the acute pain that comes with stubbing their toe or slamming their hand in a car door; however, chronic pain can be devastating. For those who live with chronic pain, they undoubtedly know how this can impact their lives. It can make it hard to think straight, keep emotions in check, and even interact with family and friends. According to a study that was recently published by the National Institute of Health and the American Pain Society:

  • Almost 50 million people are living with chronic pain in the United States.
  • About half of these individuals suffer from chronic pain on a daily basis.
  • The same number rated their pain as “severe.”
  • Based on the study, people who rate their pain as severe are likely to require disability services because of their pain.
  • Despite this, many of these individuals still rated their overall health as “adequate.”

The results of this study show that, even though millions of people are suffering from chronic pain, they still believe that their health is fine. This is a sad reality, showing that many people may have simply gotten used to their pain. One of the diseases that cause chronic pain is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Those who live with this disease can deal with intractable pain on a daily basis. Because of this, it is vital to try and find other ways to help people who are living with chronic pain. This depends on a well-balanced treatment approach.

The Treatment Options of RSD

There are many different treatment choices for people who live with RSD. This disease can impact every facet of someone’s life, so the treatment strategy must depend on a well-rounded approach. This means:

  • Medications: Examples of possible medications include anti-inflammatory pills (such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen) along with narcotic medications, such as Vicodin or Percocet.
  • Nerve Injections: For those whose pain is not well-controlled with medications, nerve injections are also an option. In this treatment, a small dose of analgesic is injected directly into the problem nerve. This can provide effective pain relief.
  • Emotional Support: Those who live with RSD are at a greater risk of suffering from mental health issues. Counseling is important to manage emotional distress.

Unfortunately, for many people, this isn’t enough. Now, there is a new treatment choice for those who are struggling with RSD.

Mirror Therapy can be Helpful

Recently, a study was published discussing the potential use of mirror therapy as a treatment for RSD. Mirror therapy first made headlines as a treatment choice for those who suffer from phantom limb pain following an amputation; however, this study showed that is can be effective for managing pain from RSD. The idea behind the treatment therapy is to retrain the mind. When people with RSD move their affected limb, the pain often gets worse. By placing a mirror next to the healthy limb, their mind can be trained to think that the impacted limb is moving without pain. In a sense, this creates a visual illusion that can help people ultimately move their affected limb pain-free. Follow-up studies have been published demonstrating the effectiveness of mirror therapy in treating RSD along with a number of other conditions. For those who may be looking for alternative treatment choices, mirror therapy could provide some relief.

In the end, RSD is a challenging disease to manage. For this reason, those with questions should meet with an experienced RSD attorney in Sacramento today.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know has been having trouble treating a diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at (916) 382-0693. I am available to provide friendly, free legal advice.

Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.

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Management of Sleep Issues with RSD

Management of Sleep Issues with RSD

Management of Sleep Issues with RSD

There are lots of different medical conditions that people might see a doctor for. According to a recent research study, one of the most common symptoms is chronic pain. Recently, a survey was completed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In this survey, researchers asked many different people about the various levels of pain that they experience. According to their statistics:

  • About 25 million Americans indicated that they had at some point experienced level 3 pain
  • Around 14 million people indicated that they had felt level 4 pain, the highest rating available on the scale
  • People who rated their pain as a 3 or a four were more likely to see a doctor and use the healthcare system

These statistics are alarming and indicate just how severe someone’s pain can be. In addition to controlling pain, there are lots of other complications that arise that need to be addressed. Those who suffer from chronic pain, such as that from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), can develop a wide variety of other complications. Examples of these include:

  • The development of mental health disorders, such as depression
  • A severe reduction in their ability to engage in the activities that they enjoy
  • Difficulty falling asleep at night
  • Difficulty staying asleep once in bed

It is important to address these complications, and the issues with sleep are often overlooked. Why is this the case and what are some of the solutions for people who struggle with sleep problems?

Difficulty Sleeping with RSD

Having trouble sleeping when struggling with chronic pain, such as that from RSD, is not unusual. The main reason why people stay up at night is their pain. If their pain is not well-controlled, it is almost impossible to fall asleep because it is hard to get into a comfortable position. Another reason why RSD can cause issues is anxiety. Anxiety is known to keep people awake and people with RSD might worry about:

  • School attendance
  • Work attendance
  • Relationships with family and friends

It is important for people to talk about their emotions with a professional counselor so that their mental health can be kept in check. People with chronic pain are known to have higher rates of depression, which should be monitored.

Solutions for Poor Sleep with RSD

When people are having trouble sleeping, several interventions can be tried to improve sleep. In addition to pain control, it is important to think about sleep hygiene. This can help everyone fall asleep easier, including those with chronic pain. Examples of these include:

  • Avoid caffeinated beverages, particularly after lunch. Caffeine can keep people awake.
  • Avoid having a television or radio in the bedroom as these can be stimulating and make it hard to fall asleep, particularly when used within an hour of bed.
  • Try to invest in blackout curtains that can make the room darker.
  • While exercise is important, try to avoid exercising within an hour of bed because adrenaline can keep people up.

Help is Available

For people who have trouble sleeping and managing a disease with chronic pain, such as RSD, it is important to know that there are people out there who are willing to provide assistance. Seeing an experienced healthcare provider is always a good idea because they have access to tools and resources that might help people recover from their symptoms. In addition, it is also a good idea to meet with an experienced RSD attorney in Sacramento. It is vital to have a legal professional look at the case because important details may have been missed. You and your family could be entitled to receive financial compensation from a negligent party that caused your condition. Call for more information.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know has been having trouble with their sleep while living with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at 916-382-0693. I am available to provide friendly, free legal advice.

Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.

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What Causes an RSD Flare?

What Causes an RSD Flare?

What Causes an RSD Flare?

Nobody should ever have to live their life in pain, which is what makes chronic pain such as devastating syndrome to treat. Those who have experienced prolonged pain understand the despair that often sets in. Some individuals may feel like there isn’t any hope for controlling their pain at all; however, understanding where the chronic pain comes from can go a long way towards finding a treatment option. According to some of the information and statistics which have been published by the National Institute of Health (NIH):

  • The number of Americans who suffer from chronic pain is more than those suffering from cancer, diabetes, and heart disease put together
  • According to our health care system, chronic pain is the most frequently cited reason for seeing a healthcare provider
  • Chronic pain is one of the leading contributors to health care costs
  • Chronic pain is the number one reason why people require disability
  • About a quarter of all Americans have suffered from pain that has lasted more than 24 hours at some time in their life
  • Pain is one of the biggest barriers to those who require medical treatment for other serious conditions

The reasons why people suffer from pain is just as varied as the scope and severity of the pain itself. For this reason, it is vital to understand why people may suffer from chronic pain to begin with. One of the most severe causes of pain is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). When someone has this disease, they suffer from severe pain due to some form of nerve damage in one of their limbs. This pain can prevent them from enjoying their hobbies, keeping a job, or finishing school. When an RSD flare occurs, this pain can even prevent them from getting out of bed in the morning. Because of this, the causes of an RSD flare must be examined.

What is an RSD Flare?

An RSD flare is a temporary increase in the severity of someone’s symptoms. Some individuals with RSD may have a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include pain (often described as a burning, shock-like, or tearing sensation), changes in the temperature of the affected body part, and even changes in hair or nail growth. When an RSD flare occurs, these symptoms get worse. The length of an RSD flare can vary from a few seconds to multiple days. Eventually, this worsening pain fades and the symptoms return to baseline. During a flare, the pain can be exquisitely painful. Therefore, it is important to address how a flare happens so that the number of flares can be minimized.

What are some Causes of an RSD Flare?

There are a few common causes for an RSD flare; however, these causes can vary from person to person. Someone may have a specific trigger while other people may have multiple triggers. Some examples of frequent triggers include:

  • Changes in the weather outside, such as temperature or precipitation
  • Changes in elevation, such as ascending or descending too quickly
  • Alterations in diet
  • Exercise-induced, including strength training and cardio
  • Certain smells or scents

An RSD flare is one of the most challenging parts of this disease. It is important for everyone to know what their triggers are and to ask for help when it is needed. Managing this disease is a team sport.

When someone does have RSD, it is important to have a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses all facets of the disease and its consequences. Because of this, it is a good idea to meet with a compassionate RSD attorney in Sacramento. It is important to examine all details of the diagnosis and possible causes to ensure that nothing has been overlooked.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you’ve been diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy after a motor vehicle accident, please call me at (916)-382-0693. I am available to provide you with free, friendly legal advice.

Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.

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Attending School with RSD

Attending School with RSD

Attending School with RSD

Chronic pain is a problem that can impact people of all ages. For those living with chronic pain, every day is a struggle. Some days, it may only be a nagging annoyance residing in the back of one’s mind. Other days, the pain could be so intractable that it feels like it may never stop. Sometimes, the people living with chronic pain are children. A disease called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), impacts people of all ages. Even though the average age of those diagnosed with this disease are between 30 and 40 years of age, school-aged children can be diagnosed with RSD. Ways that children might develop this disease include:

  • A trip and fall injury on the stairs
  • An injury sustained while playing sports
  • Being injured riding a bicycle or skateboard
  • Suffering a traumatic injury in a car accident

When children are diagnosed with RSD, this can impact the life of the entire family. Attending school with chronic pain, such as that of RSD, can be a major struggle. Because of this, it is important for parents and their children to understand some of the important points related to RSD and school attendance.

Going to School with RSD: Children

For a child who attends school with RSD, there are a number of issues that might arise. A recent survey was conducted of school-aged children who live with RSD. Some of the greatest challenges that students voiced include:

Being Believed: One of the students reported that teachers believe he suffers from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and simply needs to “loosen up.” They don’t believe the constant pain that he is in.

Focus: Because of the pain, students can have trouble focusing on their work. This can lead to poor school performance. One of the students reported that he is always in pain, making it hard to focus on work.

New Normal: One student reported that he fought his diagnosis for years and refused to accept it. He has been having trouble adjusting to a “new normal.” Now, he focuses on trying to push himself physically and mentally, having accepted his diagnosis.

Friends: Students with this disease are often picked on because they don’t “look sick” despite the pain. It is important for parents and children to make the school aware of the disease so that they can prepare for the problems that will come.

Because students with RSD are both unique in their school and may miss an extended period of time, parents must make the school aware of their child’s diagnosis. Ask the schools to prepare an online system, such as Blackboard, where students can avoid falling behind if they have to stay home for an extended period of time. Parents should be prepared to produce evidence of their child’s diagnosis, a treatment plan, and anticipation of any missed days. In response to such proactive behavior from a family, schools will often be supportive and helpful for a child with a such a severe diagnosis.

Help From A Legal Adviser

When children have been diagnosed with RSD, the impacts on a family can be significant. Some parents may wonder if their child is ever going to be able to complete their education. Other parents may consider giving up their careers to take care of a child in need. This can create complex legal issues which a legal adviser can help with. I hope you decide to contact an experienced RSD Lawyer in Sacramento, such as myself. I have experience helping families with RSD and would be honored to share my services with you.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

Contact an Experienced Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If you or a family member has developed this painful condition, please give me a call at 916-382-0693 for free, friendly advice.

See our sample results here.

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:dr llo [cs 696]

RSD in an Auto Accident: A Case Report

RSD in an Auto Accident: A Case Report

RSD in an Auto Accident: A Case Report

For those who may not know, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a serious disease that impacts millions of people all over the world. This disease often starts following a serious accident or traumatic injury, which leads to nerve damage feeding one of the limbs. The nerves send crossed signals to the brain, which are interpreted as pain. Because of this, one of the hallmark symptoms of this syndrome is an intractable pain. A recent research study which was published in the Journal of Pain explored the cases of a few dozen individuals with RSD. Some of the common triggers that they found include:

  • Job-related accidents
  • Personal injuries
  • Motor vehicle accidents

These injuries can happen to anyone at any time. Even though the average age of someone who is diagnosed with RSD is around 30 to 40 years of age, this disease can develop in children and the elderly. One of the most common ways that someone develops RSD is through an auto accident. Almost everyone knows someone who has been involved in a car crash if they haven’t been in one themselves. Therefore, it is important to analyze just how this disease can impact someone who is involved in a motor vehicle accident.

A Case Report: RSD in an Auto Accident

A 58-year-old female was driving her car down the road when she was involved in an auto accident. Another vehicle pulled out in front of her, and the two collided. At the time of the accident, emergency medical personnel were called to the scene. She had sustained a significant injury to her left leg and was transported to a local medical center. Her injuries were treated, and she was sent home. Unfortunately, the pain never went away, and she continued to seek medical care for her injuries. Sadly, the medical professional believed that she had some sort of other motive. For people with RSD, this is common. Some people believed that she simply had anxiety. Other professionals thought she was looking for pain medication. For this individual, it took her more than three years to finally receive her diagnosis. Eventually, she was labeled disabled and was able to receive disability benefits. For these three years, she struggled to find someone who would believe her. It is important for everyone to listen to individuals who complain of chronic pain. For them, the fight is real, and they are only looking for help.

Help From A Legal Adviser

Because many cases of RSD result following a traumatic accident or injury of some kind, it is important for everyone who has been diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy to thoroughly investigate the circumstances around their diagnosis. For help with this, an experienced RSD Lawyer in Sacramento can be a valuable guide. I would be happy to help you and your family explore all of the details related to your accident and ensure that nothing is left unexplored. Please, count on me to represent you and your interests. I would be honored to represent you.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

Contact an Experienced Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If you or a family member has developed this painful condition, please give me a call at 916-382-0693 for free, friendly legal advice. When your injury was caused by someone’s negligent or careless actions you may be entitled to file a claim to recover compensation for your losses.

See our sample results here.

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:dr llo [cs 637]

Addiction in RSD Patients

Addiction in RSD Patients

Addiction in RSD Patients

Those who have been paying attention to the national news recently have noticed that the opioid crisis has been dominating the media cycles. This is a pressing issue with millions of people dying due to overdoses on an annual basis. According to information from the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and numerous other medical governing bodies, some of the reasons behind this increase in the number of opioid deaths include:

  • An increase in the rate of prescriptions for opioid and narcotic medications being generated
  • An influx of illicit prescription medications on the streets
  • A rise in the numbers of illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin
  • A change in the way drug cartels are “cutting” their medications, making them inherently more dangerous
  • A significant stigma around individuals who struggle with addiction, specifically that of alcohol and opioids

For individuals who struggle with a diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), this is a significant problem. One of the mainstays of treatment of this debilitating syndrome is pain medication. For those with severe symptoms, this can include narcotic and opioid medication. Because of this, it is important for not only the individual but also their family members to think about the treatment of this disease, the medications used, and ways to prevent addiction from developing.

The Risks of Opioid Medications

One of the hallmark symptoms of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is the pain. This pain comes from inflammation of the nerves that feed the affected limb. The signals from these nerves are transmitted to the brain and are interpreted as pain. Therefore, one of the essential treatments is pain medication. This starts with medications such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen; however, this can progress to opioid and narcotic medications. Some of the risks of these medications include:

  • Altered Mental Status
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in appetite
  • Respiratory Depression
  • Addiction

As people take these medications, they can become dependent on them to function. Therefore, people should be aware of some of the warning signs of addiction.

Warning Signs of Addiction

There are several signs that someone could be developing an addiction. Some of the issues that people should watch out for include:

  • Withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, rapid heart rate, and fast breathing
  • Difficulty sleeping at night without the medication
  • Having trouble making it to the next scheduled dose
  • Requiring the medication more frequently than before
  • Requiring more medication than previously

This can go by several names including tolerance and dependence; however, all of these are signs of a possible addiction. Anyone exhibiting these signs should speak to their doctor as soon as possible.

Legal Help is Available

For families struggling with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, help is available. Many people develop this syndrome following a traumatic accident of some kind. In these situations, speaking with an experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento can be helpful. An experienced legal professional can conduct a full investigation and review all of the available options with the individual and their family. Please, don’t be nervous about asking for legal help when it is needed.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

Contact an Experienced Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If you or a family member has developed this painful condition, please give me a call at 916-382-0693 for free, friendly advice.

See our sample results here.

Image Source: The photo from the beginning of this page can be found on Pixabay. The CC0 Creative Commons License has granted its reproduction here.

:dr llo [cs 614] 

What is a Nerve Conduction Study?

What is a Nerve Conduction Study?

What is a Nerve Conduction Study?

The nerves play an important role in the body as they carry signals between the brain and every other cell, tissue, organ, and limb. The nerves help to coordinate the actions of all of these cells to ensure that they work together to perform their functions appropriately. Like any other organ, the nerves can malfunction and lead to a wide variety of disease processes. Recently, some of the statistics published by the World Health Organization (WHOrevealed some vital information on neurological disorders. This report showed that:

  • 50 million people have some sort of seizure disorder, such as epilepsy
  • Close to 24 million people have developed dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease
  • Close to 7 million people die each year because of a neurological disease
  • Many of these people do not have access to appropriate medical care

Some of these individuals even have a neurological disorder that leads to chronic pain. One example of this is a disease called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Unfortunately, it is common to hear about someone who has been diagnosed with this disorder only after undergoing a battery of tests and being misdiagnosed with another disorder many times. Therefore, it is essential to understand what tests are available to try and arrive at the correct answer sooner.

The Standard Diagnostic Tests of RSD

Several tests can be used in the diagnosis of RSD. While none of these alone can provide a definitive diagnosis, they can be correlated with clinical symptoms to support a diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

X-ray: An x-ray is a quick, cheap, and easy first step. Someone who has RSD will often show erosions in their bones that are signs of both older injuries and inflammatory damage. In some cases, a bone scan can even be used to get a more detailed picture of the bones themselves.

Thermography: A relatively new test, thermography can also be helpful when trying to diagnose RSD. In thermography, a specialized probe is used to measure blood supply to an area of the body. They are also used to measure the temperature of that site specifically. A limb that has been affected with RSD often has changes in its temperature and blood flow that will show up on this test.

Skin Sensitivity: Skin sensitivity testing is exactly what it sounds like. When someone has nerve irritation from RSD, their skin is hypersensitive to touch. This will show up on a skin sensitivity test and support a diagnosis of RSD.

While all of these tests are important, perhaps the most crucial test is a nerve conduction study.

Nerve Conduction Studies in the Diagnosis of RSD

A nerve conduction study can sound scary; however, it is necessary to make an RSD diagnosis. RSD comes from damage to the nerves that feed a specific part of the body. Therefore, to make this diagnosis, the nerves themselves must be tested. In a nerve conduction study, a needle is inserted into the nerve itself. Then, electrical equipment is used to measure the speed of the signals from the nervous system that flows through the nerve. If someone has RSD, the nerve should be irritated and demonstrate the misfiring of signals. In some cases, these signals flow too quickly. In other cases, they may flow too slowly. Uncoordinated, abnormal signals in an affected nerve in a nerve conduction study is one of the cornerstones of an RSD diagnosis.

When someone is suffering from chronic pain, it is essential to consider all of the tests that are available. Sometimes, these tests can even lead to a diagnosis of RSD. When this happens, it is important to meet with an RSD attorney in Sacramento. The details of the diagnosis should be examined from every angle because you may be entitled to financial compensation.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know has questions about the diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at 916-382-0693. I am available to provide friendly, free legal advice.

See some of our sample results here.

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PET Scans can be Helpful in the Diagnosis of RSD

PET Scans can be Helpful in the Diagnosis of RSD

PET Scans can be Helpful in the Diagnosis of RSD

When someone is involved in a traumatic accident, there are a lot of different injuries that they are at risk of sustaining. For example, according to statistics that have been published by the American Academy of Orthopedics:

  • The most common type of risk fracture in people under age 75 is a wrist fracture
  • Of all of the musculoskeletal injuries sustained in the United States annually, bone fractures comprise 16 percent
  • Over 6 million bone fractures occur in the United States every year
  • Over 3 million people visit the emergency room each year for a bone fracture

To help diagnose these injuries, there are several different scans that people might receive. Examples of these scans include:

X-ray: An x-ray is the oldest type of radiology scan. It uses radiation to produce an image based on density. Dense substances, such as bone, appear white. Light substances, such as air, appear dark.

CT-Scan: A newer type of scan, a CT (computed tomography) scan is an x-ray that is taken in three dimensions. It still produces an image based on density; however, it provides more detail because it is in three dimensions.

MRI: Short for magnetic resonance imaging, an MRI uses a powerful magnet and produces its image based on the way molecules in the body respond to this magnet. It takes a long time to perform but provides a detailed image.

Unfortunately, for people who suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), commonly referred to as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, these scans cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. Recently, a research paper was published discussing the possible utility of a PET scan for RSD diagnostic purposes.

What is a PET scan?

A PET scan is short for Positron Emission Tomography. The purpose of this scan is to demonstrate how various organs and tissues are functioning inside of the body. In this scan, a dye is labeled with a radioactive tracer that will light up on the scan. The scan tracks the various locations that the dye travels. The tracer can be swallowed, breathed in, or injected into an IV line depending on the purpose. If an area of the body has higher levels of activity, the scan will light these areas up. Because of this, a PET scan has proven useful in the diagnosis of cancer, heart disease, and neurological conditions. Now, it may serve a purpose in the diagnosis of RSD as well.

Can PET Scans Help Diagnose RSD?

RSD can be a challenging disorder to diagnose. While there are lots of different tests available, it can be a challenge to make a diagnosis. Recently, a research paper was published discussing the utility of PET scans for RSD. The researchers took two groups of patients and gave them PET scans. The first group of patients had a known diagnosis of RSD. The second group of patients did not have RSD. They injected the radiolabeled dye into the patients and gave them each a PET scan. What they found was that the individuals who had been diagnosed with RSD had higher levels of neurological activity in certain areas of their brain, including the:

  • Caudate nucleus
  • Globus Pallidus
  • Nucleus Accumbens
  • Thalamus
  • Putamen

Furthermore, individuals with higher activity in these areas of their brain have reported higher pain scores. Therefore, if a PET scan shows more brain activity in these regions, then these individuals may suffer from RSD. In the future, PET scans may become a powerful diagnostic tool for people with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

When someone has been diagnosed with RSD, there are a number of different issues that can arise. For help with these problems, it is a good idea to meet with an experienced RSD attorney in Sacramento. You and your family could be entitled to financial compensation if someone’s negligence caused your injury.

Related Articles by Ed Smith

Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know needs help with a diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at 916-382-0693. I am available to provide free, friendly legal advice.

Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.

Image Citation: Pixabay hosted the image at the start of this page. The CC0 Creative Commons License has granted permission to show it here.

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