Studying How Spinal Cord Stimulation Affects Thermal Infrared Images in Adults with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

This observational study focuses on patients with complex regional pain syndrome CRPS who experience sympathetic dysfunction and peripheral blood flow problems. Researchers aim to evaluate whether Forward Looking Infrared FLIR imaging can detect changes in sympathetic activity caused by spinal cord stimulation SCS in the affected limb. The study also seeks to find correlations between the imaging results and clinical measures such as pain levels, CRPS severity, and neuropathic pain scores. Participants with CRPS who are undergoing spinal cord stimulation will have thermal images taken of their feet using a FLIR T420 or T62101 camera with 320x240 resolution. Images are captured perpendicularly with a 1-inch space from all sides, using a Myler blanket as background separation. They will also complete questionnaires about their average pain, CRPS severity, and neuropathic pain. The study compares images taken before and 2 to 8 days after the stimulation procedure to assess temperature differences and sympatholytic effects. During the study, participants provide thermal images and complete pain and symptom questionnaires. The primary outcome is the temperature difference in the affected limb after spinal cord stimulation. Secondary outcomes include average pain rating using the Numerical Rating Scale NRS, CRPS Severity Score CSS, and Neuropathic Pain Score PainDetect. The study runs up to 2 to 8 days after the procedure, with data collected to understand the relationship between SCS effects and sympathetic activity in CRPS patients.

Infrared Images for Spinal Cord Stimulation in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Patients