Hosts Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke sit down with Dr. Fernando Branco, MEC's Chief Medical Officer, to discuss Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Dr. Branco shares his expertise on these challenging diagnoses, explaining how they can develop from seemingly minor injuries and the difficulties in accurately diagnosing and treating these conditions.
Discussion Points:
- Sprains and Strains Progressing to CRPS/RSD: Dr. Branco explains that it's common for minor injuries like sprains and strains to progress into CRPS or RSD, especially in the excess claims world. He notes that increased awareness of these conditions has also led to potential overdiagnosis.
- Diagnosing CRPS/RSD: Dr. Branco emphasizes the importance of a thorough physical exam and following established diagnostic criteria. He discusses the role of temperature measurements, sweat tests, bone scans, and sympathetic blocks in the diagnostic process.
- Treating CRPS/RSD: Dr. Branco outlines a treatment approach that includes sympathetic blocks, aggressive physical therapy with desensitization techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication management. He stresses the importance of an experienced, multidisciplinary team and cautions against overreliance on invasive treatments.