About reflex neurovascular dystrophy

What is reflex neurovascular dystrophy?

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), also known as complex regional pain syndrome, is a rare disorder of the sympathetic nervous system that is characterized by chronic, severe pain. The sympathetic nervous system is that part of the autonomic nervous system that regulates involuntary functions of the body such as increasing heart rate, constricting blood vessels, and increasing blood pressure. Excessive or abnormal responses of portions of the sympathetic nervous system are thought to be responsible for the pain associated with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome.

The symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome typically begin with burning pain, especially in an arm, finger(s), palm of the hand(s), and/or shoulder(s). In some individuals, RSDS may occur in one or both legs or it may be localized to one knee or hip. Frequently, RSDS may be misdiagnosed as a painful nerve injury. The skin over the affected area(s) may become swollen (edema) and inflamed. Affected skin may be extremely sensitive to touch and to hot or cold temperatures (cutaneous hypersensitivity). The affected limb(s) may perspire excessively and be warm to the touch (vasomotor instability). The exact cause of RSDS is not fully understood, although it may be associated with injury to the nerves, trauma, surgery, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, infection, or radiation therapy.

What are the treatments for reflex neurovascular dystrophy?

When a body develops a complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) due to immense pain and nervous issues is known as Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy. Its cause is damage to the immune system and sympathetic nervous system.

TREATMENTS:

Various medical procedures help in getting rid of the disease of RSD on the symptomatic level to some extent. Apart from Physical and Psychotherapy, other methods to treat a patient as per their symptoms. They are medical interventions to improve the condition gradually. They are:

1. Spinal Nerve Stimulation
2. Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
3. Peripheral Nerve Blocks
4. Brain Stimulation
5. Chemical or Surgical Sympathectomy
6. Pump Implantation
7. Electroacupuncture
8. Drug Pumps in the Spine
9. Biofeedback

In addition, there are different measures to prevent self from the disease to avoid going through the pains and hassle of treatments.
1. Constant body movements after stroke
2. Vitamin C after a fracture
3. Mobilizing soon after developing RSD

Symptoms
Stiffness, discomfort, tenderness, weakness and sweating around affected area,Joint Pains,Pain or Burning Sensation
Conditions
Muscle Spasms,Atrophy,Nail and Hair Changes,Skin Changes,Sensitivity to Heat or Cold,Pale Skin or Blue Skin
Drugs
Beta-Blockers,Benzodiazepines,Guanethidine,Muscle Stabilizers,Bisphosphonates,Membrane Stabilizers,Vasodilators,Opioids,Topical anesthetics,Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

What are the risk factors for reflex neurovascular dystrophy?

Neurovascular is now known as Sympathetic as the disease is now considered CRPS. It means the disease has the condition of immense regional pain syndrome.

The pain due to damage occurs to the nervous system and immune system as the effect of any medical injury or tension. It is Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy

Causes:

It can cause due to injuries like:
1. Cuts
2. Burns
3. Fractures
4. Needle Sticks
5. Amputation
6. Bruises
7. Minor Surgery
8. Sprains
9. Radiation Therapy

Other specific reasons for Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy are different types of Trauma that affect nervous system functioning:

1. Paralysis of one side of the body
2. Cancer and its Chemotherapy
3. Nerve Pressure
4. Stroke
5. Emotional Stress
6. Heart Attack

RISK FACTORS:

The disease caused is common in people who come under the following categories:

1. It occurs in females as the stress caused by injury is more in a female brain than in a male.
2. People under the age of 40 to 60 years are more likely to have RSD as the immune system weakens much faster.
3. People with other delicate chronic conditions or who faced a series of traumatic diseases in the past.
4. Old age and a weak immune system are the two significant problems that give rise to Reflex Neurovascular dystrophy.

Symptoms
Stiffness, discomfort, tenderness, weakness and sweating around affected area,Joint Pains,Pain or Burning Sensation
Conditions
Muscle Spasms,Atrophy,Nail and Hair Changes,Skin Changes,Sensitivity to Heat or Cold,Pale Skin or Blue Skin
Drugs
Beta-Blockers,Benzodiazepines,Guanethidine,Muscle Stabilizers,Bisphosphonates,Membrane Stabilizers,Vasodilators,Opioids,Topical anesthetics,Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Is there a cure/medications for reflex neurovascular dystrophy?

A disorder that results in lasting pain or injury, stroke, or heart attack, is called Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy. It is also named Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). These pains are various and constant till the time the treatments start.

Diagnosis:

Different diagnostic tests for detecting RSD as the problem cannot be diagnosed by any one test.

These tests are required with the patient’s medical history and physical examination. They are different sorts as follows:

1. Bone Scans
2. MRI scan
3. X-rays
4. Skin temperature readings
5. Sympathetic nervous system tests

CURES/MEDICATIONS:

The process of curing Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy depends on its early detection and diagnosis. It helps in beginning curable procedures as early as possible to get the results per the expectations.

There are few therapies apart from physical and psychotherapy. They both help control symptoms. These therapies will give back support to the medical treatments in the following manner:

1. Rehabilitation for affected body part or limb
2. Retain abilities
3. Improves blood flow
4. Reduce symptoms related to circulation problems
5. Manage mental health
6. Acupuncture
7. Relaxation methods

Possible Outcome:

With the above therapies, a patient can attend the following outcomes:

1. Minimizes symptoms
2. Return to life as usual
3. Early diagnosed deeper problems
4. Treatment of other related problems

Symptoms
Stiffness, discomfort, tenderness, weakness and sweating around affected area,Joint Pains,Pain or Burning Sensation
Conditions
Muscle Spasms,Atrophy,Nail and Hair Changes,Skin Changes,Sensitivity to Heat or Cold,Pale Skin or Blue Skin
Drugs
Beta-Blockers,Benzodiazepines,Guanethidine,Muscle Stabilizers,Bisphosphonates,Membrane Stabilizers,Vasodilators,Opioids,Topical anesthetics,Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

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