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RSD Article # 12
RSD Awareness
In Massachusetts, July is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Awareness Month.
RSD is a not-well-understood disorder thought to be caused by a disturbance in a person's
sympathetic nervous system. It usually affects one or more extremities and involves the
nerves, skin, muscles, blood vessels, and bones of the afflicted area. Although the
disorder progresses through a number of stages, each with its own set of symptoms which
vary somewhat from person to person, there is one symptom shared by all persons with the
disorder, in all of its stages: constant and severe burning pain.
Other symptoms include initial redness, warmth, and swelling of the area, and increased
hair and nail growth. Later, the same area becomes pale - even blue or gray - and cool.
Gradually, if the disorder is allowed to advance, the skin becomes drawn, the muscles and
bones wasted, and motion severely restricted.
Treatment within 90 days of onset can often diminish, even reverse, the effects of RSD; if
treatment doesn't begin within six months, its effects could be permanent. Despite the
importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment, many in the medical profession have
yet to be educated about this serious syndrome.
If you would like more information about RSD, or if you or a loved one has RSD and would
like support, contact:
Eric Phillips
International RSD Foundation
P.O. Box 1145
Lakeville, MA 02347-1145
Phone:508-946-9888
Fax: 508-946-3338
Disability Issues |
July 1992 |
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comments about this web site. Copyright © 1997 International Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Foundation. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a
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material is for informational and education purposes. It is not meant to take the place of
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permission from the authors.
Last modified: August 1, 1999
The material on the IRSDF Homepage and all its associated, linked or
reference pages is for informational and education purposes. It is
not meant to take the place of your physician. Before starting, changing, or stopping any
treatments or medicines consult your physician. Eric M. Phillips, and Associates
will not be held liable for any damage or loss as a result of information provided on this
page or associated documentation. Again, this WEBSITE is simply published as an
information source and should not be used to treat or make judgments on RSD. All material
owned by others, that is distributed or published on this website, disk media, facsimile
or copied through electronic or photographic means has been done so with the permission of
the owner or author. Any and all material published in error, will be immediately removed
or corrected upon notification of such. The IRSDF organization title known as the
"International Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Foundation" and all associated
material on this website may not be copied, reproduced or quoted without expressed written
permission from the owner; Copyright ©1996-2008 Eric M. Phillips- Last Update
1/4/2001
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