The New York University Pain Management Center and the NYU Department of Neurosciences are exploring the value of a very sophisticated, but totally non-invasive, test for the initial diagnosis and the response to treatment of CRPS I. This is a research, not treatment, study.

Rationale:

Recent basic research tends to involve the brain as both the origin and the organ that is affected by pain. A mechanism that seems important in causing neuropathic pain is a disregulation in the communication areas between the thalamus and cortex. We are exploring these areas of the brain in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS, also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, RSD) patients.

Eligibility criteria:

Recently diagnosed CRPS patients

Brief Treatment Description:

Patients will be screened over the phone. After successful screening, patients will then be asked to come to the center for a single visit that consists of two parts: The first part is a thorough physical exam to verify the diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. In the second part patients will undergo scanning called magnetoencephalography (MEG) which is a device similar to an electroencephalograph (EEG). Patients lie down for a half hour and wear a “helmet” which records brain waves. The entire procedure is non-invasive.

Project Status: Active, currently enrolling patients

Contact: painresearch@med.nyu.edu

Updated February 28, 2006