What differentiates Type 1 complex regional pain syndrome from Type 2?

Type 1 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is characterized by pain and other symptoms that occur following an injury, but without any identifiable nerve injury. It is distinguished from Type 2, or causalgia, which occurs specifically after a confirmed nerve injury. Type 1 can present with a variety of symptoms including pain, swelling, and changes in skin temperature and color, but importantly, it lacks direct damage to a nerve, which is a defining feature of Type 2.

The identification of Type 1 as having no specific nerve injury while Type 2 is associated with one is crucial for diagnosis and management. Understanding this distinction is essential for treatment approaches, as the underlying mechanisms and neuroplastic changes may differ between the types. Moreover, this differentiation also affects prognostic factors and the expected recovery pathways for patients suffering from either type of CRPS.