Causalgia

Abstract

Causalgia is a distressing syndrome which should be diagnosed and treated promptly. A presumptive diagnosis can be made on the basis of the existence of burning pain, autonomic dysfunction and atrophic changes. Confirmation of diagnosis can be obtained by assessing the results of a sympathetic block. Some patients with causalgia may be mistaken for 'hysterics' or 'malingerers.' Treatment may require physical and occupational therapy, analgesics, tranquilizers, sympathetic block or sympathectomy. The merits of adrenergic blocking agents, percutaneous electrical stimulation, dorsal column stimulation and acupuncture are still to be evaluated.