Quick Answer
CRPS causes severe pain disproportionate to injury — with swelling, color changes and temperature sensitivity. Early treatment prevents progression.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • NMC 8029 • Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically develops after an injury (fracture, sprain, surgery) or sometimes without clear cause. It causes severe pain that is disproportionate to the original injury, along with swelling, changes in skin color and temperature, excessive sweating, and motor dysfunction — most commonly in an arm or leg.
Type I vs Type II
Type I (formerly reflex sympathetic dystrophy): no nerve injury identified. Type II (formerly causalgia): associated with confirmed nerve injury. Both cause similar symptoms — the distinction is historical.
Symptoms
Severe burning pain disproportionate to injury, swelling, skin color changes (red, blue, pale), temperature changes (hot or cold), excessive sweating, hair/nail changes, muscle weakness, dystonia, allodynia (pain from light touch), hyperalgesia (exaggerated pain response).
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis is clinical — Budapest criteria (continuing pain disproportionate to injury, sensory changes, vasomotor changes, sudomotor/edema changes, motor/trophic changes). Early treatment is crucial: physical/occupational therapy, pain management (gabapentinoids, ketamine infusions), sympathetic blocks, spinal cord stimulation for refractory cases. Multidisciplinary approach essential.
When to seek professional evaluation
CRPS requires early specialist intervention — because delay allows progression to irreversible changes.
This guide is educational and does not replace individual medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Answers reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
Supplements only help when a deficiency is present; underlying cause-directed care is needed.
If the underlying cause is corrected early (e.g., improving glucose control, treating vitamin deficiency), improvement may occur. Long-standing neuropathy is often not fully reversible.
Migraine is a neurological condition; headache is one feature. Associated symptoms and functional impact are important for diagnosis.
Aura refers to visual, sensory, or speech symptoms that precede the headache in some people. Both types are migraine; the presence of aura may influence management discussion.
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References & Review
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
- International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3).
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine — Neurology sections.
- American Academy of Neurology guidelines for selected conditions (where applicable).
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.