What is a common trigger for CRPS?

What is a common trigger for CRPS?

• A. Previous surgery or trauma
• B. Infection
• C. Cold exposure
• D. Dehydration

Answer: (A)

CRPS often begins after some injury to tissue, and the most common initiating event is prior surgery or trauma to the affected limb. After such an event, nerves and the autonomic system can become sensitized, leading to persistent, disproportionate pain along with changes in color, temperature, swelling, and sweating. Infections or dehydration aren’t typical triggers for starting CRPS, and while cold exposure can worsen symptoms, it isn’t usually the initiating event. So the history of previous surgery or trauma best explains the common trigger for CRPS.

CRPS often begins after some injury to tissue, and the most common initiating event is prior surgery or trauma to the affected limb. After such an event, nerves and the autonomic system can become sensitized, leading to persistent, disproportionate pain along with changes in color, temperature, swelling, and sweating. Infections or dehydration aren’t typical triggers for starting CRPS, and while cold exposure can worsen symptoms, it isn’t usually the initiating event. So the history of previous surgery or trauma best explains the common trigger for CRPS.