For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Broatch, MSW, Executive Director
(877) 662-7737

Increasing Awareness of a Persistent Refractory Pain Condition
—Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Milford, CT, April 22, 2003. The Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America (RSDSA) has launched two initiatives to increase awareness of persistent pain in pediatric and adult populations. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is an under-diagnosed and under-treated chronic nerve pain disorder most often characterized by severe pain, swelling, abnormal temperature regulation and sweating in a limb.

“Children Living With Pain” Art Project
In order to increase awareness of children in chronic pain, RSDSA is sponsoring an art project. Children are invited to submit artwork that reflects their living with chronic pain.
Although the incidence of RSD/CRPS in the pediatric patient population has not been fully studied, physicians, such as Charles Berde, MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School and Director of the Pain Treatment Service at Boston Children’s Hospital, states that in his clinical experience: girls are affected roughly five times as often as boys; the incidence increases markedly just before puberty; and female dancers, gymnasts, and competitive athletes comprise a high percentage of the patients. Dr. Berde also notes that if left untreated, the symptoms can become chronic, spread to other parts of the body, and persist for years.
The deadline for children artwork entries is July 1, 2003. Information on the art project can be found on the web at www.rsds.org or by calling (877) 662-7737.

RSDSA Develops “Telltale Signs of RSD/CRPS” HandiCard
To assist health care providers, patients, and families to better diagnose RSD/CRSPS, RSDSA has, with its Scientific Advisory Board, developed and produced a pocket-sized, 2-sided laminated cards with the “10 Telltale Signs of RSD/CRPS” on one side and a pain scale on the other. Cards are available free of charge by calling (877) 662-7737 or sending an e-mail to info@rsds.org.

RSDSA is a national not-for-profit organization, headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, that promotes greater public and professional awareness of RSD, a painful neurological syndrome that may affect more than 1.5 million Americans.