[Reflex dystrophy. Complex regional pain syndrome type I].

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy or complex regional pain syndrome type I is primarily a clinical diagnosis. The syndrome is most common after soft tissue damage or fractures and is more often seen in women than in men. The paramount symptom is pain, but oedema, a limited range of motion, changes in sensibility, and trophic changes are also seen. The pathogenesis is unknown, but most clinicians believe it to be caused by disturbances in the sympathetic or sensory nervous system and/or an excessive inflammatory response, most likely neurogenic inflammation. It seems that early treatment with physiotherapy and corticosteroids has a positive effect on the disease. Despite lack of documentation, the principles of treatment usually prescribed for the treatment of neurogenic pain must be taken into consideration. There is a lack of large double-blind studies on all aspects of the syndrome.