Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Complex regional pain syndrome develops as a result of what condition?

1. Inflammation of the nerves

2. Over activation of the nervous system after a localized injury

3. Chronic muscle strain

4. Electrical impulses in the brain

The correct answer is: Over activation of the nervous system after a localized injury

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) primarily develops due to over activation of the nervous system, often following a localized injury. This condition is characterized by severe and persistent pain that is disproportionate to the original injury. The mechanism behind CRPS involves a combination of neurological and inflammatory responses that can lead to heightened sensitivity and abnormal responses in the nervous system. When a localized injury occurs, the body's natural healing processes can sometimes result in an inappropriate healing response, leading to an exaggerated pain response. This is particularly due to the interaction between the sympathetic nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The overactivity can further exacerbate pain signals, creating a cycle of pain that is difficult to break. The other options, while related to pain and nervous system function, do not accurately capture the specific mechanisms that lead to CRPS. Inflammation of the nerves does indeed play a role in some pain conditions, but it is not the sole or primary cause of CRPS. Chronic muscle strain and electrical impulses in the brain do not specifically explain the development of CRPS in the context of its post-injury behavior and the subsequent neural responses that occur.