Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

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- 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;