Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Syndrome is an older term use to describe one form of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). It is a nerve disorder characterized by chronic severe burning pain, unhealthy change to bone and skin tissue, excessive sweating, swelling and extreme sensitivity to touch. There may also be changes in skin color, turning pale or red or forming blotches. Joints may become stiff and swollen, and there may be a decrease in mobility in the affected body parts.The cause of RSD is not well understood, but trauma has been implicated as a likely cause in many cases. Trauma, such as sustained in motor vehicle collisions, which causes sprains or fractures can bring on RSD. It can also be caused by surgery or injury to blood vessels or nerves.
One red flag that an accident victim may have developed RSD is that the pain and symptoms get worse instead of better with time.
