How Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Diagnosed?
Diagnosing CRPS can be challenging as there is no single test for confirmation. Physicians rely on clinical evaluation and criteria, including a patient’s medical history, reported symptoms, and physical examination. The Budapest Criteria is a widely accepted tool for diagnosis, focusing on four symptom categories: sensory changes, vasomotor abnormalities, sudomotor/edema issues, and motor/trophic changes. A diagnosis of CRPS is often made when symptoms persist in these categories and no other condition can explain them.
Additional tests, such as imaging or nerve studies, may be used to rule out other conditions. Bone scans, X-rays, or MRIs can identify characteristic changes in the affected area, such as osteoporosis or tissue abnormalities. These tools, while not diagnostic on their own, provide valuable information to confirm the clinical suspicion of CRPS. Since early treatment is key to better outcomes, timely evaluation by a healthcare professional is vital for individuals experiencing unexplained, persistent pain and related symptoms.
