Les syndromes douloureux régionaux complexes (SDRC) de type I et II

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are still misunderstood and not often recognized. The sympathetic nervous system seems to function abnormally. The diagnosis must be evoked in patients presenting an association of continuous, intense and poorly controllable pain, autonomic (vasomotor, sudomotor, edema), sensory (allodynia, hyperpathia, hyper- or hypoesthesia) and motor symptoms. Strong scintigraphy uptake can provide confirmation. Diagnosis must be made early to limit symptom progression. With appropriated analgesia, the main treatment depends on rehabilitation care, emphasizing of the affected extremity and the symmetric limb and physiotherapy. The neuropathic element of pain, as well as the associated psychic dimension, also requires treatment. There is an important risk of functional impairment without treatment. If discovered at an advanced stage, management of CRPS can be a serious therapeutic challenge requiring sustained care.