Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) may occur after trauma, usually to one limb, and is characterised by pain and disturbed blood flow, temperature regulation and motor control. Knowledge on CRPS... Show moreComplex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) may occur after trauma, usually to one limb, and is characterised by pain and disturbed blood flow, temperature regulation and motor control. Knowledge on CRPS and its movement disorders is scarce. Dysfunction in small nerve fiber processing was found in CRPS patients with dystonia. Furthermore, a dominant pattern of fixed dystonia was observed in two thirds of arms and legs: finger flexion, wrist flexion, elbow flexion and/or shoulder adduction; and ankle plantar flexion/inversion, toe flexion, knee flexion and/or hip internal rotation. A modelling study demonstrated that aberrant force feedback from Golgi tendon organs may be a factor. Cerebrospinal fluid findings did not support a role of inflammatory mediators in chronic CRPS-related dystonia. Characteristics of CRPS-related myoclonus were diverse. One intrathecal administration of methylprednisolone was not efficacious in chronic CRPS. Also, continuous intrathecal glycine showed no efficacy in CRPS-related dystonia. However, intrathecal baclofen reduced severity of CRPS-related dystonia, improved quality of life and remained efficacious over a period of one year. The findings lend support to the role of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)-ergic mechanisms in this cause of dystonia. The findings stimulate new directions of research on this topic. Show less
Munts, A.G.; Rijn, M.A. van; Geraedts, E.J.; Hilten, J.J. van; Dijk, J.G. van; Marinus, J. 2011
