RSD in Babies

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Type 1, was referred to in the past as causalgia.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of RSD include severe localized pain. Pain often affects the arms and legs, but can also affect any part of the body.

Cause

• RSD occurs after an infant experiences some type of infection, sprain, injury or surgical procedure. Afterward the body reacts by continuously by sending pain signals from the affected area to the brain.

Significance

• This condition most often affects female adults, but can affect infants and children. According to the Cinncinati Children's Hospital, infants and children who develop this condition usually respond better to treatments than adults.

Diagnosis

• Since no test exists to diagnose RSD, physicians must rule out other possibilities to ensure proper diagnosis.

Treatments

• Treatments for RSD include pain medications, physical therapy and desensitization therapy.