American family physician
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American family physician · Dec 1997
Editorial CommentReflex sympathetic dystrophy: fact and fiction.
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The term "complex regional pain syndrome" encompasses causalgia and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Symptoms of burning pain with autonomic and tissue changes begin shortly after an injury, usually to a distal extremity. ⋯ Aggressive treatment, which may include sympathetic blockade, medications, physical therapy and psychotherapy, is essential for a favorable outcome. Despite treatment, many patients are left with varying degrees of chronic pain and disability.