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Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy


- RSD in Children: 
- usually occurs in 8 - 16 yr olds (girls > boys); pain is the primary symptom;
- pts show marked dysfunction and signs of sympathetic overdrive; (cyanosis, coldness, edema, and hyperhydrosis). 
- hyperesthesia w/ an incongruent affect is typical; 
- children w/ R.N.D. are usually compliant and pseudomature; 
- underlying psychosocial stress from school or family; 
- PT is curative; 
- unlike adults, treatment w/ sympathetic blocks is used rarely; 
- in contrast to the result in adults, outcome in children tends to be more favorable but resolution may take as long as 3 mo