Abstract

VILLEGAS PINEDA, Mario H.; HERRERA, Christian; LEON MARTINEZ, Tatiana  and  ORDONEZ FERNANDEZ, Vasco. Impact of the use of neurostimulation for the management of a patient with complex pain syndrome and severe trophic changes. Case report. Rev. colomb. anestesiol. [online]. 2014, vol.42, n.4, pp.321-324. ISSN 0120-3347.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rca.2014.04.001.

Introduction: Limb trauma and surgery are frequent causes of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Some cases are very difficult to manage despite the use of high-dose analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents and physical therapy; hence the need to look for interventional therapies to slow its progression. Case description and results: We present the case of a patient diagnosed with CRPS type I with severe trophic changes and marked functional limitation, managed with multiple pharmacological therapies and nerve blocks without apparent improvement. The patient decided to try neurostimulation with favourable results and substantial improvement months later reported as «100% improvement» of pain; reduced oedema; progressive recovery of the normal appearance of the hand; partial recovery of strength, and improved function attributable to the use of this additional therapy. Conclusion: Neurostimulation has a noticeable impact on the course of the complex regional pain syndrome accompanied by trophic changes in patients with a poor response to there commended pharmacological management. Early initiation of this intervention facilitates functional and psychological recovery of the patients, who are usually in the productive stage of their lives.

Keywords : Complex regional pain syndrome; Neurostimulation; Causalgia.

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