Decoding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Manage episode 473230919 series 3363966
In this episode, Dr. Fernando Branco, MEC AVP of Claims and Chief Medical Officer, tackles the multifaceted world of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) by drawing on decades of specialized experience in physical medicine, rehabilitation, pain management, and addiction medicine.
Dr. Branco provides valuable insights about:
- How this complex diagnosis can create significant physical and emotional stress for patients.
- Why a proper CRPS diagnosis requires careful assessment of specific symptoms across three key categories: sensory system, vasomotor activity (blood flow) and sudomotor function (sweat glands).
- Diagnostic criteria to help distinguish true CRPS from other pain conditions.
- The pendulum swing from underdiagnosis to overdiagnosis and the importance of experienced medical assessment when evaluating potential CRPS cases.
For claims professionals handling a claim with a CRPS diagnosis, this episode provides essential context that could change your approach to these challenging cases.
Chapters
1. Introduction to Expert Insights Series (00:00:00)
2. Dr. Branco's Background and Expertise (00:00:37)
3. History and Naming of CRPS (00:01:25)
4. Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms (00:03:28)
5. Historical Context and Misdiagnosis (00:05:12)
6. Closing Thoughts and Resources (00:06:15)
34 episodes