Which symptom is most characteristic of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome as described in a hand injury patient?

• A. Weakness with no sensory changes
• B. Burning and stabbing pain
• C. Intermittent tingling with normal skin color
• D. Localized numbness without sweating

Answer: (B)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is defined by pain that is out of proportion to the injury and has a neuropathic quality. The most characteristic symptom is burning, shooting, or stabbing pain, often with allodynia (pain from light touch) and hyperalgesia. This sensory profile, paired with possible autonomic and trophic changes (such as edema, color or temperature differences, sweating), is what sets CRPS apart from other post-injury sensations. The other descriptions—pure weakness without sensory changes, intermittent tingling with normal color, or numbness without sweating—don’t capture the hallmark burning pain and the associated autonomic symptoms that commonly accompany CRPS.