title: Complex regional pain syndrome: a review of diagnostics, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and treatment implications for certified registered nurse anesthetists.
abstract: The pathophysiologic mechanisms for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are complex and elusive. The proposed etiologic mechanisms for CRPS include inflammatory responses, peripheral or central sensitization, and sympathetic dysfunction. Anesthesia care of patients with CRPS is challenging. Treatments including physiotherapy, peripheral vasodilators, sympathetic blockade, analgesics, and other systemic medications can help optimize mobility, perfusion, and pain relief for affected patients.
authors.affiliation: Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Daniel_Watts@rush.edu
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Watts
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kremer
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods*; D020918:Complex Regional Pain Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists