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Updated: May 19, 2026
07:12
Chronic Post-Ischemia Pain Model for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-I in Rats
Published on: January 21, 2020
Complex regional pain syndrome following protracted labour*
A G Butchart1, M Mathews, A Surendran
1Department of Anaesthesia, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, Norfolk, UK. angusbutchart@doctors.org.uk
Anaesthesia
|August 14, 2012
Summary
Labor-related nerve injuries, like common peroneal neuropathy, can rarely lead to complex regional pain syndrome. Prompt treatment can significantly improve symptoms such as foot drop and chronic pain.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Obstetrics
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Obstetric nerve palsies are common, but severe long-term complications are rare.
- Labour-related neuropathies can occur, particularly after prolonged or instrumental deliveries.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an unusual complication of obstetric neuropathy.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old woman developed left lower limb weakness and numbness postpartum after prolonged labor and instrumental delivery.
- Initial MRI was normal; nerve conduction studies confirmed common peroneal nerve injury.
- Within two weeks, symptoms progressed to include foot edema, burning paresthesia, and allodynia, indicative of CRPS.
Findings:
- The patient received a combination of gabapentin, ibuprofen, topical capsaicin, and physiotherapy.
- After six months of treatment, the foot drop resolved.
- Significant reduction in chronic pain symptoms was observed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for CRPS development following obstetric nerve injury.
- Early diagnosis and multimodal treatment are crucial for managing these rare but debilitating complications.
- Further research into the mechanisms and optimal management of CRPS in the obstetric population is warranted.
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