Clinical overlap of functional neurologic symptom disorder and complex regional pain syndrome in pediatrics: A case report

Author(s):  
Heidi Kempert

This case study documents a 13-year-old female who presented to our intensive inpatient chronic pain rehabilitation program with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of her left leg, which was significantly interfering with her normal daily functioning. She participated in a full day of traditional interdisciplinary therapies, including physical and occupational therapy for 3 hours daily. As assistive equipment was altered or weaned her physical mobility, balance, and tremors worsened and/or increased. As she began advancing her legs more independently (versus requiring physical assist), she demonstrated more variable functional strength and stability, inconsistent balance reactions, and a more unsteady gait pattern. The team was treating her according to her incoming CRPS diagnosis; however, as treatment progressed, her physical and psychological presentation seemed more aligned with diagnostic criteria of functional neurologic symptom disorder (FND). Staff then treated according to the FND diagnosis resulting in successful long-term outcomes. The clinical impact from this case study includes highlighting the commonalities between CPRS and FND clinically, discussing differentiating treatment suggestions depending on the diagnosis, and emphasizing key components of family/patient education.

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 566-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna Kumar ◽  
Syed Rizvi ◽  
Sharon Bishop Bnurs

Abstract BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) I is a debilitating neuropathic pain disorder characterized by burning pain and allodynia. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is effective in the treatment of CRPS I in the medium term but its long-term efficacy and ability to improve functional status remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of SCS to improve pain, functional status, and quality of life in the long term. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 25 patients over a mean follow-up period of 88 months. The parameters for evaluation were visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) and Short Form 36 (SF-36), and drug consumption. Evaluations were conducted at point of entry, 3 months, 12 months, and last follow-up at 88 months (mean). RESULTS: At baseline, the mean scores were VAS 8.4, ODI 70%, BDI 28, EQ-5D 0.30, and SF-36 24. In general, maximum improvement was recorded at follow-up at 3 months (VAS 4.8, ODI 45%, BDI 15, EQ-5D 0.57, and SF-36 45). At last follow-up, scores were 5.6, 50%, 19, 0.57, and 40, respectively. Despite some regression, at last follow-up benefits were maintained and found to be statistically significant (P < .001) compared with baseline. Medication usage declined. SCS did not prevent disease spread to other limbs. Best results were achieved in stage I CRPS I, patients under 40 years of age, and those receiving SCS within 1 year of disease onset. CONCLUSION: SCS improves pain, quality of life, and functional status over the long term and consequently merits early consideration in the treatment continuum.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nélio Silva De Souza ◽  
Ana Carolina Gomes Martins ◽  
Victor Hugo Do Vale Bastos ◽  
Marco Orsini ◽  
Marco Antônio A. Leite ◽  
...  

The motor imagery (MI) has been proposed as a treatment in the complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1), since it seems to promote a brain reorganization effect on sensory- motor areas of pain perception. The aim of this paper is to investigate, through an integrative critical review, the influence of MI on the CRPS-1, correlating their evidence to clinical practice. Research in PEDro, Medline, Bireme and Google Scholar databases was conducted. Nine randomized controlled trials (level 2), 1 non-controlled clinical study (level 3), 1 case study (level 4), 1 systematic review (level 1), 2 review articles and 1 comment (level 5) were found. We can conclude that MI has shown effect in reducing pain and functionality that remains after 6 months of treatment. However, the difference between the MI strategies for CRPS-1 is unknown as well as the intensity of mental stress influences the painful response or effect of MI or other peripheral neuropathies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3;19 (3;3) ◽  
pp. E487-E493
Author(s):  
Shaik Ahmed

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a form of neuromodulation, used to treat chronic neuropathic pain refractory to conventional medical management. Spinal cord stimulators are treatment options when intractable chronic pain has not responded to more conventional treatment modalities. Currently, the use of SCS is contraindicated in pregnancy. Nevertheless, many SCS/ neuromodulation recipients are women of child bearing age who may become pregnant. There are no published reports that focus on the possible side effects of SCS or neuromodulation therapy on human fertility, fetal development, pregnancy, delivery, or lactation. Objectives: The purpose of this current report is to present a case study on the use of SCS/ neuromodulation during pregnancy. Study Design: Presentation of the case of a 24 year old female who became pregnant after receiving an SCS implantation for pain control secondary to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The SCS was in use at the time of conception but deactivated when patient became aware of her pregnancy and intermittently reactivated for five minute intervals throughout the entire pregnancy. Results: Currently very little documented evidence is available regarding the safety of using a SCS/ neuromodulator during pregnancy; therefore its use during pregnancy is contraindicated. Available literature suggests that, women who have chosen to keep the SCS/neuromodulator activated during pregnancy have delivered healthy babies without any life threatening complications. Limitations: Case presentations do not provide conclusive evidence of treatment effectiveness. This data is only preliminary and future studies should be used to assess outcomes and measures to provide quantification of the SCS implantation during pregnancy. Conclusions: Women of child bearing age who are recipients of SCS/neuromodulation implantation should be informed of the limited knowledge available regarding the impact of SCS/ neuromodulation use during pregnancy. For current recipients, decisions about ongoing use during pregnancy should be an individual decision based on the potential risks and benefits. Key words: Pregnancy and complex regional pain syndrome, pregnancy and reflex sympathetic dystrophy, pregnancy and spinal cord stimulators, pregnancy and electromagnetic fields, and pregnancy and neuromodulator.


1999 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
David D. Sherry ◽  
Carol A. Wallace ◽  
Claudia Kelley ◽  
Monica Kidder ◽  
Lyn Sapp

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