CRPS and Life Care Planning
A life care plan (LCP) is a dynamic document based on published standards of practice, assessment, and research that outlines future needs and costs for individuals with catastrophic injuries or chronic health needs. Developing a plan for individuals diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can be challenging, as physicians’ opinions on the most effective treatment plans for CRPS can vary greatly.
CRPS is a form of chronic pain that typically involves the arms and legs and develops following an injury. The pain is generally out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury and may spread from its source to other parts of the body. Many people with CRPS describe burning and throbbing pain, sensitivity to touch, swelling, changes in skin temperature, color and texture, joint stiffness, and atrophy.
Before developing a life care plan, life care planners should carefully review all available medical records, paying particular attention to recommendations offered by treating physicians and consulting medical examiners. When consulting with physician(s) to obtain their opinions on future care needs, the life care planner should be aware of different treatment options that should be discussed during consultation.
Treatment options currently being recommended for CRPS are typically multi-faceted. They may include medication, physical therapy, nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, platelet-rich plasma injections, stem cell injections, radiofrequency ablation of the painful sensory nerves, neurostimulation, and infusion therapies. It is also important to consider psychological factors often experienced by people with CRPS, as psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment may be warranted. Anxiety and depression are often common psychological/psychiatric diagnoses associated with CRPS.
Life Care Planners can also look at the literature to understand the typical treatment needs of those with CRPS. When using published research, it is vital to ensure that the studies or publications involve a sufficient sample size of study participants who closely resemble the demographic qualities of the subject with CRPS, and information regarding frequency, duration, and probability of occurrence would be beneficial.