Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Auto Accidents
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville car accident lawyer. One continuing injury that isn’t frequently discussed is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This can occur for a number of reasons, even from a minor fender bender. Both minor and major traumas can cause CRPS. However, when faced with this type of injury, a victim may require long-term medical treatment to resolve the problem, while another may experience ongoing pain.
What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH), complex regional pain syndrome produces constant, severe pain that may be of a prolonged duration. CRPS generally occurs in children over the age of 10 and adults, peaking at 40. It is rare in children under 10 and in elderly persons. Two types of CRPS are known. The first type is generally caused by injury such as a motor vehicle accident and doesn’t directly affect a nerve. Soft tissue injuries such as burns, fractures, sprains, surgeries and other injuries can result in Type 1 CRPS. Type 2 is caused by a known injury to a nerve. Treatments for both types are similar. In some patients, symptoms may be mild and go away with time. In others, pain may be severe and cause a long-term disability. Symptoms often appear sometime after an accident.
What Are the Symptoms of CRPS?
Mayo Clinic, a leading authority on medical conditions, reports the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome as follows:
- Touch or cold sensitivity
- Throbbing or burning pain, normally occurring in the hand, foot, arm or leg
- Change in the growth rate for nails or hair
- Skin temperature changes
- Skin color changes from mottled and white to blue or red
- Swollen, stiff joints with resultant damage
- Swelling in the area affected by pain
- Decreased mobility in the affected area
- Spasms in muscles with weakness and atrophy
- Skin texture changes in the area affected such as shininess, thinness or tenderness
Delayed Symptoms From a Motor Vehicle Accident
Delayed injury symptoms are not uncommon following a car accident. This is the reason it is so important for those involved in a collision to get checked out by a physician or at the emergency room. Delayed symptoms can include:
- Headache, which may indicate head and brain injuries, including concussion or presence of a hematoma.
- Back pain may indicate damage to muscles, ligaments, nerves or vertebrae.
- Loss of sensation in the hands or arms may indicate neck injuries such as cervical sprain or strain.
- Abdominal trauma may present as swelling and pain. Bruising, fainting, dizziness and other symptoms may also occur, according to Healthline.
- Stiffness or pain in the shoulders or neck commonly occurs in cervical strain or sprain. This may happen even in low-impact collisions.
- Changes in normal physical function or personality may indicate traumatic brain injury. Other signs can include memory loss, headaches, depression or problems with hearing or vision.
What an Attorney Can Do For You
Those who have been injured by a negligent driver in a motor vehicle accident may wish to consult with a seasoned car accident lawyer. After gathering the evidence from the accident and compiling medical expenses and other costs, an attorney can build a compelling case for fair compensation.
Roseville Car Accident Lawyer & Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville car accident lawyer. Injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident are bad enough without having to pay the expenses caused by a negligent driver. If you were injured through negligence, please phone me at (916) 921-6400. I can also be reached at (800) 404-5400. I am honored to offer you my advice, which is free and friendly.
After working as an injury lawyer for residents in Roseville and in Northern California for 35 years, I’ve represented countless victims of catastrophic injuries such as brain injuries and in wrongful deaths and other types of personal injury.
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