Complex regional pain syndrome results from problems with the nervous system. MedlinePlus notes that most cases of CRPS occur in people between ages 40 and 60. Two types of CRPS exist, which differ by cause: CRPS 1 and CRPS 2. Both types cause similar symptoms, such as mobility problems and joint swelling. CRPS has three stages, with Stage 3 resulting in irreversible changes to the bone and skin.
Nerve Damage
MedlinePlus explains that CRPS 2 results from damage to a nerve of the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system encompasses the nerves in the rest of the body, such as the motor and sensory nerves. For example, CRPS 2 can result from damage to the nerves that control sweat glands or blood vessels. If a doctor damages a nerve during surgery, the patient can develop CRPS 2. The symptoms of CRPS depend on which nerve becomes damaged. If a motor nerve becomes damaged, patients can have muscular problems.
Indirect Nerve Damage
MayoClinic.com points out that 90 percent of CRPS patients have CRPS 1, which results from indirect nerve damage. For example, an injury occurs to a person's arm or leg, but the injury does not directly damage the nerve. Tissues around the nerve can become damaged, and may put pressure on the nerve, resulting in the symptoms of CRPS. A forceful trauma can cause CRPS 1, such as a gunshot wound. Injuries ranging from a sprained ankle to a fracture can trigger CRPS 1.
Sudden Illness
A sudden illness may cause CRPS in some patients, though MedlinePlus notes that this rarely occurs. For example, a stroke, in which the blood supply becomes disrupted in the brain, can cause CRPS. Another sudden illness that can cause CRPS is a heart attack, in which the blood supply to the heart becomes disrupted. The lack of blood prevents an adequate supply of oxygen from reaching the tissue, causing cells to die. In these cases, the nerve may become affected or the tissue around the nerve. The MayoClinic.com adds that certain infections, such as those that affect the skin or joints, can cause CRPS.
