Pharmacotherapy for Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an illdefined, poorly understood disorder that causes significant morbidity in those who suffer from it. It is estimated that up to 20% to 35% of patients will remain incapacitated indefinitely and that only 20% to 30% of patients will be able to return to their previous full-time employment. A number of treatments, interventional and noninterventional, have been posited as possible therapies for CRPS. We discuss and review here the evidence-based rationale for pharmacologic therapy for CRPS.