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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition typically affecting a limb after injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack, characterized by severe, persistent pain that is disproportionate to the initial cause (Marinus et al., 2011). The pain is often described as burning, shooting, or throbbing, and is accompanied by sensory, motor, autonomic, and trophic changes such as swelling, skin color changes, temperature asymmetry, sweating abnormalities, and decreased mobility (Bruehl, 2015). CRPS is divided into two types: Type I, where no nerve injury is identified, and Type II, which involves confirmed nerve damage.
Management of CRPS requires a multidisciplinary approach, including:
To maintain limb function and reduce stiffness.
Such as analgesics, corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, anticonvulsants, and sometimes opioids.
Sympathetic nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, or ketamine infusions may be used in refractory cases.
Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has been studied extensively for CRPS treatment due to its ability to inhibit central sensitization and reduce neuropathic pain. Ketamine infusions can provide significant pain relief and improve function in many CRPS patients, although responses vary, and repeated treatments might be necessary.
Jacobs Pain Centre, 8920 Woodbine Ave, Ste. 102, Markham, ON L3R 9W9
Since 2002, Jacob’s Pain Centre has provided effective, comprehensive pain management through a multidisciplinary approach. We combine evidence-based treatments with supportive care to deliver accurate diagnoses and personalized pain management plans.
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