Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic disease affecting between 200,000 and 1.2 million Americans. First discovered in the 1800s, it remains a mystery to the medical community — and there is presently no cure.
What is RSD/CRPS?
RSD/CRPS happens when nerves malfunction, sending relentless pain signals to the brain, typically occurring as the result of a traumatic event, such as an accident or medical procedure. The condition is marked by severe pain that seems much more intense than the injury warrants — often confusing medical professionals who aren’t familiar with RSD/CRPS symptoms. In fact, people often report seeing an average of five doctors before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Who is the RSD/CRPS patient?
More women than men suffer from the disorder, but the disease does occur in all ages, from young children to the elderly — and it can persist for a lifetime. As a result, many RSD/CRPS patients can add depression and a sense of hopelessness to the burden of chronic pain. As if those symptoms weren’t already difficult on their own, patients often receive little understanding or help from doctors — some are even told they have a mental disorder.
What is the cause?
Tragically, people suffering from RSD/CRPS often develop the disease as the result of preventable accidents. Car crashes are a leading cause, but because few attorneys have experience with the condition, accident victims often have difficulty finding anyone to provide legal representation. The pain associated with RSD/CRPS does not go away without treatment, including medication, physical therapy, psychological support, sympathetic nerve blocks, or spinal cord stimulation — all of which can be prohibitively expensive.
What resources exist for the RSD/CRPS patient?
There are a few law firms with experience in RSD / CRPS cases, who understand the disease and have access to medical specialists who can properly evaluate and diagnose its victims. The permanent nature of RSD/CRPS results in significant medical costs that can burden victims and their families. People who develop the disease as the result of someone else’s negligence are well-advised to seek legal counsel, in order to obtain financial compensation if their circumstances merit damages.
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The attorneys of Belt Law Firm, P.C. have experience in counseling clients who are going through the stress and strain of battling RSD. The firm often assists with communication to insurance companies and medical providers, as well as obtaining comprehensive medical evaluations by experts in the field. For more information about RSD/CRPS visit: http://www.rsdinfocenter.com/ Article submitted by Deirdre Reedy Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deirdre_Reedy |