RSD Puzzle #143

H. Hooshmand, M. D.

DIPLOMATE AMERICAN BOARD OF PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROLOGY

BOARD CERTIFIED IN ELECTROENCEPHOLOGRAPHY

BOARD CERTIFIED IN ELECTROMYOGRAPHY

BOARD CERTIFIED IN AMERICAN BOARD OF ELECTODIAGNOSTIC MEDICINE

INTRACTABLE NEUROLOGY

EPILEPSY, PAIN, MS

An International Referral Center dedicated to Treatment, Education and Research

RSD PUZZLE #143

Radiofrequency (RF)

Question:

Dear Dr. Hooshmand:

I have undergone an EMG and MRI which shows no RSD. In addition, my Doctor wants to do Radiofrequency. What should I do?

Answer:

Unfortunately, they have complicated your case by doing tests such as MRI and EMG which never show any evidence of RSD (MRI is a gross anatomical test showing disk herniation, tumor, bleeding, - but it cannot be sensitive enough to show microscopic abnormalities in the sympathetic sensory nerves in the wall of blood vessels. The same is true in regard to EMG). Please do not allow anyone to stick EMG needles in you as it only aggravates the condition.

RSD (CRPS) is not a surgical disease. The trauma of surgery only aggravates the condition.

The most traumatic of all invasive treatments is Radiofrequency nerve ablation and block. It is done with a heat generating Radiofrequency electrode causing a boiling hot temperature at the target area which coagulates, destroys and kills the nerve fibers and nerve cells.

Because the Radiofrequency damage causes high temperature in the adjacent areas of the target, it also destroys the adjacent normal nerves causing a much larger lesion and scar formation with spread and aggravation of pain in a permanent fashion.

In RSD (CRPS) the sympathetic system is dysfunctional rather than simply being hyperactive. The longer the disease is left untreated and the more surgical scars, the more dysfunctional the sympathetic system becomes. This is the reason for practically 100% failure of treating RSD with sympathectomy, Radiofrequency nerve destruction and chemical blocks with alcohol, phenol, etc.

With many thanks,

Sincerely,

H. Hooshmand, M.D.

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The material on the Neurological Associates Pain Management Center Homepage and all it's associated, linked or reference pages is for informational and education purposes. It is not meant to take the place of your physician. Before starting, changing, or stopping any treatments or medicines consult your physician. H. Hooshmand, M.D., Neurological Associates Pain Management Center and Associates will not be held liable for any damage or loss as a result of information provided on this page or associated documentation. Again, this WEB SITE is simply published as an information source and should not be used to treat or make judgments on RSD/CRPS. All associated material on this web site may not be copied, reproduced or quoted without expressed written permission from the owner; Copyright © 1999-2012 H. Hooshmand, M.D.