Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Children

This article presents an overview of emergency department care for patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The pathophysiology and natural history of CRPS are explained, and multiple methods of diagnosis are also explored. A thorough background of the natural history of CRPS is given, and a table is included that outlines the stages of CRPS and how they can be used to understand how advanced the disease is. Treatment of CRPS and where to refer patients for continued and definitive treatment are described. In addition to physical therapy and pain psychology, multiple medication management strategies are also discussed.