PMC4168752_01
CRPS-1 (Complex regional pain syndrome): dystonic equinus of the right ankle, swollen foot and calf with tightened, pale, gleaming and cold skin.
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It was almost impossible for the patient to bear touch to the painful region, which meant that a complete sensory assessment could not be realized ( Figure 1).
Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) evaluating the effect of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) on neuropathic pain.. In blue, the spontaneous sensation is indicated, without the SCS functioning. The values for neuropathic pain when SCS is on are shown in red, indicating a global reduction of pain.
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Retrospectively, the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory  (NPSI), used to determine the quality of pain relieved by SCS showed a partial relief of both spontaneous pain and evoked pain ( Figure 2).
Grand average of A -fiber related laser evoked potentials (LEP) recorded at the vertex (Cz vs. A1-A2) after stimulation of the right (CRPS side) and left foot dorsum.. Note the increased latency and reduced amplitude of LEP components in the affected foot as compared to the contralateral side. The vertical interrupted line represents the onset of the CO
2 laser stimulus (duration 50 ms; surface area 79 mm
2; intensity 9.7 mJ/mm
2). Each side received 30 stimuli with an interstimulus interval of 8 to 15 s. The subject had to press a microswitch, held in her dominant hand, as fast as possible when perceiving the stimulus. To focus the patient's attention, each stimulus was announced of 1.5 to 3 s beforehand, allowing her to fixe her gaze with open eyes during +-4 seconds to avoid eye movement artefacts.
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No abnormalities where observed when stimulating the left foot and hand ( Figure 3).