CRPS, or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, is a serious chronic pain condition that often follows an injury. In Westland and surrounding areas, this condition is frequently overlooked, leading to complex personal injury cases.
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 nerve damage | Most common (90%) |
| CRPS type II (formerly causalgia) | Follows proven nerve damage | Often has a more severe course |
Complaints and Symptoms
Overview of symptoms
- Pain: sharp, burning, disproportionate
- Sensory changes: extreme sensitivity to touch
- Vascular changes: abnormalities in color and temperature
- Swelling: edema in the affected body part
- Sweating changes: abnormal sweating
- Movement problems: reduced strength and mobility
- Skin changes: abnormalities in skin, hair, and nails
How is CRPS diagnosed?
The diagnosis of CRPS is based on clinical guidelines, such as the Budapest criteria, which were specifically developed for this condition.
Budapest diagnostic criteria
- Continuous pain that does not match the degree of injury
- At least 3 of the 4 symptom categories reported by the patient
- At least 2 of the 4 categories clinically confirmed
- No alternative diagnosis that can explain the complaints
Treatment methods for CRPS
Treating CRPS is challenging and requires an integrated approach involving multiple disciplines.
Possible treatments
| Therapy | Objective | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy/occupational therapy | Preservation of function and reduction of sensitivity | Crucial for recovery |
| Pain medication | Relief of pain complaints | Often limited effectiveness |
| Sympathetic nervous system blockade | Breaking pain patterns | Results vary |
| Spinal cord stimulation | Modulation of pain signals | For specific cases |
| Psychological support | Coping with pain and acceptance | Indispensable in treatment |
CRPS and Personal Injury in Westland
In personal injury cases in the Westland region, CRPS often leads to complicated discussions between parties.
Key discussion topics
Cause and causation
Is CRPS actually the result of the accident? Insurers in Westland sometimes question the causal link, especially if the diagnosis is made late or the initial injury appears minor.
Diagnostics
Is the CRPS diagnosis correct? Due to the lack of objective tests, the diagnosis sometimes remains disputed.
Impact and limitations
What limitations result from CRPS? The subjective nature of pain complicates objective assessment.
Expert advice
In CRPS claims, engaging specialized experts in Westland is of great importance. Recommended specialists are:
- Rehabilitation physician with knowledge of CRPS
- Pain specialist or anesthesiologist
- Neurologist with relevant experience
Compensation for CRPS
The damage from CRPS can be significant due to the long-term and chronic nature of the condition, especially in cases handled by the District Court of The Hague.
Overview of damage items
| Damage item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Pain and suffering | €30,000 - €150,000 (depending on impact) |
| Loss of income | Often full in severe CRPS |
| Medical care costs | Long-term therapy and aids |
| Domestic assistance | Often permanently required |
| Loss of self-sufficiency | Activities such as DIY no longer feasible |
Advice for CRPS patients in Westland
- Seek a specialist for diagnosis as soon as possible
- Start a multidisciplinary treatment trajectory in time
- Document complaints and limitations in a diary
- Have your pre-accident situation well documented
- Engage a lawyer in Westland with CRPS knowledge
- Do not agree to a settlement without expert advice
Contact and Support in Westland
For legal assistance in CRPS cases, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Westland. In addition, cases often fall under the District Court of The Hague, where specific procedures apply for personal injury.