CRPS, or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, is a serious chronic pain condition that often follows an injury. In Leiden and surrounding areas, this condition is frequently the subject of complex personal injury cases due to lack of recognition.
What is CRPS?
CRPS is a long-term pain disorder where the pain does not correspond to the severity of the original injury. The pain can spread and is often accompanied by various other symptoms.
Types of CRPS
| Type | Cause | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| CRPS type I (formerly Sudeck) | Occurs after injury without direct nerve damage | Most common (approximately 90%) |
| CRPS type II (formerly causalgia) | Follows clear nerve damage | Has a more severe course |
Complaints and Symptoms
Overview of symptoms
- Pain: sharp, burning, disproportionate
- Sensory changes: extreme sensitivity to touch (allodynia)
- Vascular changes: abnormal skin color and temperature
- Swelling: edema in the affected area
- Sweating changes: abnormal perspiration pattern
- Movement problems: reduced strength and mobility
- Skin changes: abnormalities in skin, hair, and nails
How is CRPS diagnosed?
The diagnosis of CRPS is made based on clinical guidelines, such as the Budapest criteria.
Budapest criteria explained
- Continuing pain that does not match the nature of the injury
- At least three of the four symptom categories reported by the patient
- At least two of the four categories objectively confirmed
- No alternative diagnosis that can explain the complaints
Treatment options
Treating CRPS is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Overview of treatments
| Therapy | Objective | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy/occupational therapy | Maintaining function and reducing sensitivity | Crucial in treatment |
| Pain medication | Reduction of pain complaints | Often limited effect |
| Sympathetic nervous system blockade | Breaking the pain cycle | Results vary |
| Spinal cord stimulation | Pain management | For specific cases |
| Psychological support | Coping with pain and acceptance | Indispensable in the process |
CRPS and Personal Injury in Leiden
In personal injury cases around Leiden, CRPS often leads to complicated discussions between parties.
Key discussion topics
Cause and connection
Is CRPS actually the result of the accident? Insurers sometimes dispute the relationship, especially with a late diagnosis or apparently minor injury.
Diagnostics
Has the CRPS diagnosis been correctly made? Due to the lack of hard evidence, this often remains a point of disagreement.
Impact and limitations
What limitations result from CRPS? The subjective nature of pain complicates objective assessment.
Expert assessment
In claims involving CRPS, the input of experts is crucial. Recommended specialists are:
- Rehabilitation physician with knowledge of CRPS
- Pain specialist or anesthesiologist
- Neurologist with relevant experience
Compensation for CRPS
Due to the chronic nature of CRPS, compensation can be substantial.
Overview of damage items
| Damage item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Pain and suffering | €30,000 to €150,000 (depending on impact) |
| Loss of income | Often full in severe CRPS |
| Treatment costs | Long-term care and aids |
| Domestic assistance | Often permanently necessary |
| Loss of own activities | Activities such as DIY no longer possible |
Advice for CRPS in Leiden
- Seek a specialist quickly for an accurate diagnosis
- Start treatment early with multiple disciplines
- Document complaints and limitations carefully in a diary
- Record your functioning before the accident well
- Engage a lawyer in Leiden with experience in CRPS cases
- Do not agree to a settlement without thorough investigation
Legal support in Leiden
For legal assistance in CRPS cases in Leiden, you can go to:
- District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location
- Legal Aid Office Leiden, Stationsweg 46