[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 102 (Friday, July 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY

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                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 1994

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I ask permission to revise and extend my 
remarks for inclusion into the Record.
  Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, RSD, is a complex and extremely painful 
neurogenic disease that afflicts millions of unsuspecting victims each 
year. RSD is a multi-symptom medical condition that afflicts one or 
more extremity and possibly the entire body. The disorder occurs when a 
leg or arm has suffered an injury or trauma.
  The RSD Association of America estimates that 5 percent of all 
injuries or traumas can result in RSD. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is 
a disabling disease that can simultaneously afflict the nerves, 
muscles, and joints. RSD presents itself in progressively severe 
stages--the most serious resulting in total dysfunction of an 
extremity. It can ultimately affect the entire body. Excruciating pain 
is the one symptom frequently associated with RSD diagnosis.
  Due to its peculiar onset and uncertain nature, RSD represents a 
frustrating phenomenon for both its patients and their physicians. 
Doctors continue to debate the exact cause of this neurogenic disorder, 
and a cure has not been discovered yet. What is clear is that RSD 
sufferers live in extremely uncomfortable circumstances.
  RSD can easily be treated and curtailed if it is diagnosed in the 
early stages of development. Physicians have found the most effective 
measure of treatment involves a variety of methods: prescription drugs, 
physical therapy, occupational therapy, and even emotional therapy. All 
of these methods, in conjunction with one another, cater to the 
patient's individual physical and emotional needs. The successful 
combination of therapy and drugs within the early stages of RSD's onset 
can help prevent any further progression of the disorder. 
Unfortunately, many times, both the patient and their physician fail to 
recognize the early symptom of chronic pain as that of RSD. Instead it 
is attributed to the patient's initial injury.
  It was only last fall that RSD was officially recognized by the 
medical society and assigned an international category of diseases code 
number, ICD-9 #337.2. To the patients who suffer from RSD, this ICD-9 
code represents more than just a number; it signifies legitimacy and 
recognition. As a member of the board of directors of the Reflex 
Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of California, I can attest 
to the mental and physical trials that a patient experiences due to the 
lack of understanding among physician and health care providers.
  Early detection and treatment are vital to preventing the 
debilitating effects of RSD. For years, RSD patients have been denied 
proper treatment due to the lack of medical understanding and the 
commonality of the early symptoms of pain and discomfort. This medical 
oversight has been detrimental to RSD patient health care costs.
  Estimated costs for treating an individual with severe RSD can begin 
at $50,000 per year and reach up to $250,000 per year as the disease 
progresses and more severe complications arise. The escalating 
potential of health costs for an RSD patient can be astronomical. With 
increased medical awareness and greater understanding on behalf of 
insurance companies, early detection and treatment of people who suffer 
from RSD can reduce the devastating effects RSD imposes on them 
physically, emotionally, and financially.

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