Neurological Associates

Pain Management Center

Vero Beach, Florida

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RSD PUZZLE #7
RSD AND PREGNANCY


"I have RSD. Is it safe to become pregnant?"

There are dozens of references in the literature regarding RSD and pregnancy.

There is no contraindication for an RSD victim to become pregnant. As a matter of fact, as is the case with some other neurologic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, pregnancy may be beneficial in the management of the disease.

On the other hand, RSD may manifest itself for the first time during pregnancy. This does not imply that pregnancy causes RSD. If the patient already has had some form of nerve damage in the extremity then in the late stages of pregnancy due to inactivity and prolonged bed rest, a sub-clinical SMP (sympathetically mediated pain) can change into a full-blown picture of RSD. The high risk area for this complication is the hip area. This is especially true if the pregnant patient has a tendency to rest practically consistently on one side of the body. The hip that bears the brunt of the patient's weight for long hours or days can manifest the spread of RSD from the knee or ankle area.

The pregnant RSD patient has to remember to stay as active as possible especially in the last trimester. Exercise, heat massage and use of Epsom salt and hot water over the lower extremities especially the hips, are quite helpful.


H. Hooshmand, M.D.

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Copyright © 1997-2006 H. Hooshmand, M.D. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system other than this specific media, transcribed, or translated into any language without the expressed written permission from the author; H. Hooshmand, M.D. and Eric Phillips and CMNE. This material 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.

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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 © 1999-2006 H. Hooshmand, M.D.

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  This page was last updated on 3/11/2000.