Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy & Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a painful nerve problem that often occurs in the hand or foot after being injured. RSD is also known as complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) and is very complex and painful.

Symptoms of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

There are many symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The symptoms will occur in the injured area. Some of the symptoms can be recognized right away, others signs can start two weeks after the accident or injury. Some symptoms of reflex sympathetic dystrophy include:

Severe, burning pain

Swelling

Shriveling of the skin

Skin that becomes dry and shiny

Strange hair growth

Loss of strength

Stiffening

Treatment for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

The sooner you treat reflex sympathetic dystrophy the faster you will get better. Treatment for reflex sympathetic dystrophy usually begins with physical, occupational, and hand therapy. This therapy is aimed to improve movement, build strength, and reduce pain in the affected region. Therapy may also include desensitization, which involves rubbing different textures on the injured area.

Other forms of treatment include medical treatment such as taking oral medications, spinal cord stimulators, or sympathectomy, which would destroy the nerve causing the pain. Psychological help and RSD support groups can also help you deal if you are feeling depressed or angry, very common mental effects of reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

How Do You Get Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy happens after you are injured or hurt. This could be due to a car accident, motorcycle accident, slip and fall accident, or any other type of personal injury accident. RSD can be triggered by something as minor as a sprain or cut or more severe such as a fracture. The sooner your doctor diagnoses you with reflex sympathetic dystrophy the better. This is because the sooner you have treatment, the faster you will get better.

Medical Malpractice from RSD Treatment Or Diagnosis

Medical malpractice is much more than the physician or other health care provider making a simple mistake. Medical malpractice occurs when a health care provider improperly treats a patient or performs treatment in a negligent manner.

If you or a family member suffer from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, you may be entitled to compensation if a medical malpractice took place. If a doctor made an error during surgery or failed to properly diagnose and treat your RSD, they may have committed medical malpractice and could be at fault. The statute of limiations for medical malpractice cases varies from state to state so it is important to contact a reflex sympathetic dystrophy malpractice lawyer immediately so that your claim is not lost forever due to a missed deadline.