Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Developing After a Coral Snake Bite: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Toxicology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is often misdiagnosed due to poor understanding of its pathophysiology and disease awareness.
• Early recognition and accurate diagnosis are crucial for effective management of CRPS.

Observation:

• A 69-year-old male presented with right lower extremity pain, swelling, and erythema after a Florida Coral snake bite.
• Initial misdiagnosis as cellulitis delayed appropriate management.
• Clinical signs included nonpitting edema, erythema, and severe allodynia, strongly suggesting CRPS.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with CRPS following a snakebite, a rare etiology.
• Treatment involved physical therapy and gabapentin, leading to significant symptom improvement.
• This case highlights the importance of considering CRPS in unusual post-injury pain presentations.

Implications:

• CRPS diagnosis can be challenging due to the absence of a definitive diagnostic test.
• Utilizing clinical diagnostic criteria, such as the Budapest criteria, is crucial for accurate identification.
• Raising awareness of CRPS and its diverse potential triggers is essential for timely and correct patient management.