Complex regional pain syndrome other diagnostic studies

Thermography is the only test that allows for vasomotor mapping, and therefore it also provides information as to both the distribution of that patient’s complex regional pain syndrome as well as its underlying cause. It is a diagnostic technique for measuring blood flow by determining the variations in heat emitted from the body. The nerve injury that characterizes type II CRPS can be detected by electromyography.

Thermography is a diagnostic technique for measuring blood flow by determining the variations in heat emitted from the body. Thermographic images are direct measurements of sympathetic skin galvonic impedance. A color-coded “thermogram” of a person in pain often shows an altered blood supply to the painful area, appearing as a different shade (abnormally pale or violet) than the surrounding areas of the corresponding part on the other side of the body. A difference of 1.0°C between two symmetrical body parts is considered significant, especially if a large number of asymmetrical skin temperature sites are present. The affected limb may be warmer or cooler than the unaffected limb. Thermography is felt to be the most sensitive objective diagnostic study for RSD. It is very important for the doctor to understand sympathetic galvonic skin responses when interpreting a thromographic image and to keep in mind other syndromes that are RSD look a likes. Thermography is the only test that allows for vasomotor mapping and therefore also provides information as to both the distribution of that patient’s RSD and its underlying generator.

The nerve injury that characterizes type II CRPS can be detected by electromyography. In contrast to peripheral mononeuropathy, the symptoms of type 2 CRPS extend beyond the distribution of the affected peripheral nerve.

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