title: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in hemiplegia--two case reports and review of the literature.
abstract: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) can be precipitated by a variety of events. We report two cases of RSD in hemiplegic patients detected within three months of the cerebrovascular accidents. Diagnosis of RSD was based upon clinical and scintigraphic findings. Management included elevation, range of movement of the affected joints and analgesics. With treatment, the pain and swelling subsided, range of motion of joints improved and the patients were able to participate in the rehabilitation programme. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment were found to be essential for the successful treatment of RSD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Yen
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012019:Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Q000209:etiology*