Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2012 , Vol 58 , Num 1

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Caused By Snake Bite: A Case Report

Semra Aktuğ Ergan 1 ,Özlem Yoleri 2 ,Seçil Yavaşı 3 ,Neşe Ölmez 4 ,Asuman Memiş 4
1 İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi, Atatürk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Kliniği, İzmir, Türkiye
2 Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İzmir, Turkey
3 Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, İzmir, Turkey
4 Atatürk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Kliniği, İzmir
DOI : 10.4274/tftr.83723

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful and disabling disorder that can affect one or more extremities. The pathophysiology of CRPS is not clear but peripheral and central sensitization resulting in neurogenic inflammation has been held responsible. A 66- year-old male patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic with complaints of swelling, pain, warmth, and restriction in movements of the left upper extremity after a snake bite. Electromyographic evaluation was compatible with toxic neuropathy. A hand X-ray showed demineralization of the carpal bones. CRPS was diagnosed based on clinical and radiological findings. Medical and physical therapy were performed and symptomatic relief was obtained. This case is presented to emphasize snake bite as a rare cause of toxic neuropathy and CRPS. 

Keywords : Snake bite, envenomation, neuropathy, pain syndromes