Title: Paradigm Shift in Understanding CRPS: New Study Offers Hope for Recovery
A groundbreaking study led by NeuRA’s Centre for Pain IMPACT, in partnership with the University of South Australia, reveals life-changing outcomes for people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The study found that up to 80% of patients can recover within the first 18 months of diagnosis, challenging the prevailing notion that CRPS is a lifelong burden.
CRPS is a multi-system disorder, usually triggered by trauma such as surgery or fracture, characterized by severe pain localized to a single limb. It can lead to issues with sweating, temperature regulation, and mobility. Women are disproportionately affected, with up to four times as many diagnosed with the condition as men.
The study reviewed the latest advances in CRPS epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. It found that the most effective approach to treatment includes education about CRPS, medicines to control pain, physical rehabilitation, and psychological support if needed.
Lead researcher, NeuRA’s Michael Ferraro, says, “CRPS is a rare pain disorder, characterized by intense pain and changes in muscle, sensation, skin, bone, and nerves, often severely limiting a person’s ability to work or engage in social activities. Because the disorder is so rare, there is little evidence to inform effective treatment.”
The research challenges the belief that CRPS is a lifelong burden. It highlights that recovery is likely for most people with CRPS, particularly with early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment approach targeting the disorder’s multi-system nature.
Co-researcher and pain expert, UniSA’s Professor Lorimer Moseley, says, “This is a major step towards better understanding and treating CRPS, offering hope and new avenues for patients and healthcare professionals alike. The next steps will require national and international networks of researchers to test the most promising treatments in clinical trials.”
Among these initiatives is the ongoing MEMOIR study conducted by NeuRA and UniSA, an Australian Government-funded trial evaluating a medication and a newly developed rehabilitation program. The study facilitates nationwide participation through telehealth, highlighting the commitment to widespread access to potential treatments.
This study marks a significant milestone in CRPS research, offering hope and a new perspective on CRPS management. While more research is needed, this review provides a robust foundation for future studies and clinical applications.