What is RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)?
RSD (now called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I) is a type of neuropathic (relating to nerves) pain that is infrequent in adults and children, and can be very severe. There are several differences in pediatric RSD from that in adults. Most children recover. It is most common in active (athletes, dancers) female adolescents of high-achievement oriented families. It tends to occur in the lower legs and feet and usually does not progress to the “crippled up,” withered appearance that can occur in adults with the syndrome. RSD in children appears to respond well to aggressive physical therapy, medication and behavioral medicine. Sometimes nerve blocks are used to interrupt the pain cycle or to allow physical therapy to be done if it is otherwise too painful. We stress that the information available on the Internet is predominantly from adults and often paints a picture that does not apply to children with this pain syndrome.
