How do you diagnose CRPS?
It is a clinical diagnosis as there is no single test which can confirm CRPS.
BUDAPEST CRITERIA FOR DIAGNOSIS OF CRPS¹:
Continued pain that is disproportionate to any inciting event. The patient must report one symptom in 3 of the following 4 categories:
- Sensory: allodynia or hyperalgesia
- Vasomotor: temperature asymmetry, skin colour changes
- Sudomotor: oedema, changes in sweating
- Motor or trophic: decreased range of motion, motor dysfunction, changes in hair and nail growth
The patient must display 1 sign at the time of evaluation in at least 2 of the following categories:
- Sensory: evidence of allodynia or hyperalgesia
- Vasomotor: evidence of temperature asymmetry or skin colour changes
- Sudomotor: evidence of oedema or swelling
- Motor: motor weakness or dysfunction
- No other diagnosis explains the patient's signs or symptoms
