The association of myofascial pain syndrome and focal dystonia in reflex sympathetic dystrophy (or complex regional pain syndrome)

Eighty-eight patients presenting Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) of the upper limbs were evaluated. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) was present in 66 patients (75%). Four patients (4.5%) also had focal distonia, AII were treated with antidepressants, phenotiazines, and NSAIDS, physical medicine procedures and, when necessary, anesthetic blocks of the sympathetic nervous system or of the brachial plexus were performed, The multidisciplinary treatment of CRPS was satisfactory in 74.6% of the patients with CRPS I and 96% with CRPS II. It was concluded that he correct diagnosis of the associated conditions in cases of CRPS is very important for the success of the rehabilitation program and that MPS is an important cause of pain symptomatology in these patients.