New Jersey § 26:2aa-2

§ 26:2aa-2.

The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), also known as complex regional pain

syndrome, is a debilitating and progressively chronic condition characterized by severe

burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling

and extreme sensitivity to touch; b. More specifically, RSDS is thought to be a nerve disorder that generally occurs

at the site of a minor or major trauma injury, but may also occur without an apparent

injury to the afflicted person; c. While the causes of RSDS are unknown, the syndrome is thought to be the result

of damaged nerves of the sympathetic nervous system; d. The disorder is unique in that it simultaneously affects the nerves, skin, muscles,

blood vessels and bones, and if untreated, can result in permanent deformity and chronic

pain; e. RSDS is often misdiagnosed because this condition is either unknown or is poorly

understood; the prognosis for patients suffering from RSDS is generally much better

when the condition is identified and treated as early as possible, ideally within

three months of identifying the first symptoms; f. If treatment is delayed, the disorder can quickly spread to the entire limb, and

changes in bone and muscle may become irreversible, resulting in limited mobility,

atrophy of the muscles and eventual permanent disability of patients; and g. Since a delay in diagnosis or treatment for this syndrome can result in severe

physical and physiological problems, and early recognition and prompt treatment of

RSDS provides the greatest opportunity for recovery, it is in the best interest of

the public to establish a program to educate both individuals and medical professionals

regarding this debilitative condition and to promote research to accurately identify,

diagnose and treat RSDS.