Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic disease that causes severe pain, swelling, stiffness, and skin changes, and currently has no known cure. Also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), RSD is characterized by extreme pain caused by even the slightest of touches, which is a result of the individual’s nervous system on overdrive. What causes the nervous system to become overly active is currently unknown, and all available treatment for RSD is either preventative or for the management of symptoms.

 

There are two varieties of triggers that precede the onset of RSD symptoms.

  • Type 1 may occur following an indirect injury or illness to the affected nerve region.
  • Type 2  may occur following a direct injury or illness to the affected nerve region.

Possible theories suggest that the shock that comes from a severe injury or illness causes the nervous system to go into continuous overdrive.

 

Depending on the time of diagnosis and severity of the disease, the cost of managing RSD can be substantial. For most families, the cost of treatment for RSD is too great to be handled with out-of-pocket resources.

 

If the injury/illness that led to RSD was caused by a negligent party, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party to help manage costs of RSD treatment.  You should consult with your insurance company and medical provider to see what sort of financial aid is available to you. A San Diego injury lawyer would be able to provide you with the legal support and represent you in the most thorough and effective manner.

 

If you are a San Diego resident who has been affected by RSD, contact the Law Offices of Philip Cohen, and our San Diego injury lawyers can assist you in getting the help you need.