RSD and PTDA

  Is RSD the same as Post Traumatic Disuse Atrophy? They sound the same but I cannot find any information about Disuse Atrophy. Is that the correct term or are they synonomous? Thank you.

[CCF Neuro MD*]

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Dear Marcella,
Disuse atrophy is more of a descriptive term rather than a diagonosis and the two are not synonomous.  RSD refers to a a nerve injury (ususally trauma) that is followed by persistent, severe burning pain that may be sensitive to touch, temperature change etc.  Other symptoms include vasomotor change and trophic changes such as the skin in the affected limb is moist and warm or coll and soon becomes shiny and smooth, and at times scaly or discolored.  Disuse atrophy is weakness and atrophy is muscles innervated by a specific nerve following injury.  I hope this clarifies the issue for you. Good Luck.