Medical Dialogues

10-YEAR-OLD AUSTRALIAN CHILD WHO HAS "THE MOST PAINFUL CONDITION": CRPS EXPLAINED

A 10-year-old Australian girl has been identified as suffering from a very unusual disease. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which is frequently referred to as the "most painful condition" known to mankind, affects Bella Macey.
During a family vacation, she had the illness in her leg after a blister on her right foot became septic. Bella's entire right leg shoots up in anguish as soon as her right leg is touched or moved.
WHAT IS COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME (CRPS)?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disorder that affects a particular portion of your body, generally your extremities, and results in pain, skin colour changes, and other symptoms. Your arm, leg, hand, and foot are examples of your extremities.
WHO IS CRPS HARMFUL TO?
Adults are more frequently affected by CRPS than children. Around 40 years old is when the peak onset occurs. People assigned as female at birth experience CRPS more frequently than people born as male. Most cases between 66% and 80% are seen in people of European ancestry.
SYMPTOMS OF CRPS
Pain is both CRPS's most prevalent and obvious symptom. A scorching, stinging, or tearing feeling characterises the pain, which may be chronic or sporadic. It frequently lies deep into the afflicted limb.
HOW IS CRPS DIAGNOSED?
Because CRPS is uncommon and medical professionals don't fully comprehend it, it frequently goes undiagnosed. A particular test is not available to identify CRPS. Medical professionals primarily diagnose it by carefully reviewing your symptoms, performing a physical exam, and reviewing your medical history. If you just underwent surgery or suffered an injury, your doctor will question you.
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