TITLE:
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Outpatient Pain Management in the Chronic Setting: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Julie Chege, Ngugi Kinyungu
KEYWORDS:
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Multimodal Management, Chronic Pain, Sequelae
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Anesthesiology,
Vol.14 No.5,
May
24,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy and causalgia, is a neuropathic pain condition that usually develops after an injury to an extremity. CRPS can be a debilitating condition with high levels of pain and reduced function. Aim: This case report aims to discuss the multimodal approach in the management of a patient who presented with ongoing poorly controlled pain secondary to CRPS from an injury that happened years prior. Case Presentation: A 45-year-old female was involved in a motor vehicle accident where her right leg was injured. She underwent several surgeries and developed CRPS that significantly reduced her mobility and quality of life. She presented to the pain clinic years after her initial injury and a multimodal regimen was started for her resulting in significantly improved function. Conclusion: CRPS can be a severely debilitating condition. While early diagnosis and management are important, ongoing management in the outpatient chronic pain setting is important in maintaining a good level of function.