Diagnosis

Diagnosis:

Radiologic findings    

  1. Fine-detail x-ray
  2. Photon absorptimetry
  3. 3 phase radionuclide bone scanning
  4. Clinical evaluation of presenting symptoms
  5. Cold stressor test
  6. Galvanic skin test (measures cutaneous pain threshold)
  7. Histologic changes in synovial fluid in joints
  8. Thermographic studies
  9. Sympathetic blockade - may be used for both diagnosis and treatment
  10. Use of IV Systemic Alpha-adrenergic blockade with Phentolamine: a test for sympathetically maintained pain
  11. EMG, CAT scan and MRI studies may be normal in 1st stage of RSD
    12.