What is the Difference Between CRPS 1 and 2?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects the limbs and can worsen over time. There are two types of CRPS: Type 1 and Type 2. While both types occur typically after trauma, the key distinguishing feature is the presence of a definite nerve injury, which is absent in Type 1 but present in Type 2 CRPS.

Differences between CRPS Type 1 and Type 2 include:

1. Etiology: CRPS Type 1, formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), occurs after an illness or injury that didn't directly damage the nerves in the affected area. CRPS Type 2, formerly known as causalgia, occurs after a distinct nerve injury.
2. Nerve Involvement: In CRPS Type 1, the nerve damage is usually partial, while in CRPS Type 2, a specific nerve injury is present.
3. Localization: CRPS Type 1 usually involves distal extremities, while CRPS Type 2 can be localized to the area around the injury.
4. Symptoms: Some common symptoms of CRPS Type 1 include severe pain, swelling, loss of range of motion, temperature changes, and changes in the skin. CRPS Type 2 has similar symptoms, but the pain is more localized to the area around the injury.
5. Prevalence: CRPS Type 1 is more common, affecting approximately 90% of CRPS sufferers, while CRPS Type 2 is less common.

The diagnosis of CRPS is primarily clinical, as there are no gold-standard tests for the condition. Treatment for CRPS is most effective when started early, and improvement and even remission are possible in some cases.

Comparative Table: CRPS 1 vs 2

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder that is traditionally divided into two types: CRPS Type 1, formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), and CRPS Type 2, formerly known as causalgia. Here is a table summarizing the differences between CRPS Type 1 and Type 2:

Both types of CRPS share some common symptoms and diagnostic criteria, but there is a clinical utility in differentiating between Type 1 and Type 2, despite the distinction being maintained. The diagnosis of CRPS is primarily clinical, with no gold-standard tests available.