What causes RSD?
How is RSD
Diagnosed?
What is
reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome?
Who can be
afflicted with this condition?
Is RSD
curable?
What are
symptoms of RSD?
How is the
disease treated?
How is
pain managed during treatment?
If I
decide to file a lawsuit regarding my RSD, how much will my
case be worth?
How long
will the case take to settle?
What are
the key legal issues in cases such as these?
What
causes RSD?
Trauma
(often minor) such as a bruise, sprain or broken bone
Surgery
Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
Infections
Repetitive motion disorders such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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How is RSD
Diagnosed?
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What is
reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome?
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is a disease of the
sympathetic nervous system, which controls certain functions
in our bodies, such as the opening and closing of blood
vessels and sweat glands.
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Who can be afflicted with this condition?
RSD can affect anyone, but it is most common in women over
the age of 50 years. RSD often follows an injury, but in
more than 30% of the cases the cause is unknown.
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Is RSD curable?
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome is treated with
physical therapy and medications and generally goes away
with time, although it may take several years to run its
course.
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What are symptoms of RSD?
The main symptom of RSD is severe pain, often including a
burning sensation in the affected area. The disorder may
eventually result in dystrophy (weakness) of the area. Early
diagnosis and proper treatment are very important if the
disease is to be managed.
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How is the disease treated?
The most important element of treatment is to restore
movement to the affected area. This condition is easiest to
treat in its early phases. Physical or occupational therapy
with specific exercises has been helpful in maintaining
flexibility and strength.
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How is pain managed during treatment?
Acetaminophen, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory drugs
may be used to treat the pain. Frequently, TENS units (Transcutaneous
Electrical Nerve Stimulator) are used. A TENS unit relieves
pain by blocking nerve impulses. Another common treatment
consists of injecting a numbing agent near the affected
nerves or alongside the spinal column.
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If I decide to file a lawsuit regarding my RSD, how much
will my case be worth?
This depends on many factors, such as the amount of damages
and what injuries you have suffered as a result of the
Defendant's wrongdoing.
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How long will the case take to settle?
Normally cases such as this take several years to reach
conclusion.
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What are the key legal issues in cases such as these?
What
caused the injury? If it was a car accident, for example,
this can give rise to a lawsuit.
If the
RSD was caused by a medical procedure, was the procedure
necessary and done properly?
Was the
diagnosis of RSD delayed and if so, did it change the
outcome?
Did
unnecessary surgery aggravate the RSD?
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