The Hidden Danger of Nervous System Injuries
There are certain injuries that we are familiar with: Broken bones, strained muscles, and sprained ankles. These are tangible injuries we easily see and comprehend. But the other, less-visible systems in our bodies are also susceptible to injury, and we all should be cognizant of these risks.
Nerve injuries are, unfortunately, an all too common injury that can occur during medical interventions. Trauma to a nerve can lead to the development of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). These conditions are characterized by continuous pain, often a burning sensation, that is disproportionate to the inciting incident. Unfortunately, this pain can spread from the original source to elsewhere within the body.
CRPS and RSD are significant, debilitating conditions that attack the peripheral nervous syndrome. To ensure as strong a recovery as possible and mitigate long-term damage, one experiencing the onset of CRPS or RSD needs to seek immediate medical intervention when symptoms first arise. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, continuous pain, hyper-sensitivity to touch or temperature, swelling, changes in skin texture or color, and decreased mobility. If treatment is prolonged, CRPS and RSD can develop into chronic, devastating conditions that significantly impact your quality of life.
Unexpected pain should not be ignored while in the care and treatment of medical professionals. While pain is a natural consequence of some medical interventions, the medical professionals treating you need to be aware of any pain you experience during their care and treatment. There are inherent risks associated with all medical procedures, but exacerbating your pain is not one you should expect, or accept.
Your complaints of pain should not be ignored or met with indifference by the medical staff that you have entrusted your care with. Nervous system injuries, like most injuries, are treatable and require immediate attention to produce the best results. If you developed a nervous system injury following medical intervention, particularly Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), please reach out to us for a consultation.
David E. Werner is an associate at Freidin Brown, P.A. who focuses in personal injury, medical malpractice, commercial litigation, and consumer class action claims. David is a 2006 graduate of Yale University, where he won a national championship as a member of the Lightweight Crew Team. He also earned his J.D. from the University of Florida School of Law, Coral Gables, Florida.
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