Which symptom is a defining feature of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

Intense burning pain and sweating are hallmark characteristics of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This condition typically arises after an injury, and its symptoms are disproportionate to the initial trauma. The burning pain often manifests in the affected region and can vary in intensity, often worsening over time.

In addition to the intense pain, other vasomotor symptoms, such as changes in skin temperature and sweating abnormalities, are common. These autonomic dysfunctions are believed to stem from the disrupted signaling in the nervous system that characterizes CRPS.

Muscle weakness, while possibly present, does not define the syndrome and can occur in many other medical conditions. Loss of sensation throughout the body is not a typical symptom of CRPS as it is usually localized to the affected limb. Severe abdominal pain is unrelated to CRPS and pertains to other gastrointestinal or abdominal issues.

The defining symptom of intense burning pain and sweating signifies not only the specific nature of CRPS but also the complex interplay of sensory and autonomic nervous system dysfunctions characteristic of this syndrome.