New thoughts on reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome.

Chronic pain caused by a sympathetic nervous system aberration must be considered separately from chronic pain resulting from carcinoma, arthritis, neuropathies and other delineated pathology. Because the pathophysiology of these conditions and their associated pain can be explained, treatment modalities can be planned specific to the affected individual and targeted toward the altered physiology. If the pathophysiology is not clearly defined or understood, as is the case in reflex sympathetic dystrophy and other idiopathic pain conditions, then prescription and remediation become a challenge for the healthcare professional and client. New thoughts on the clinical findings, pathogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis are evolving, with inherent implications for neuroscience nursing.