Causalgia was described in 1872 by the American neurologist Weir Mitchell and the term, meaning “heat-pain” was coined by Dunglison to denote an intense burning pain and sensitivity to touch, distal to a peripheral nerve injury. It’s generally associated with swelling, changes in blood flow to skin, and abnormalities of sweating. Nowadays, it’s usually classified as a type of complex regional pain syndrome.

Earlier treatment is certainly preferable but it’s never too late to try. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help prevent and manage causalgia. Topical or injected local anesthetics may be useful. Several classes of drugs may be used including antidepressants (particularly tricyclics), anticonvulsants, GABA agonists (gabapentin, pregabalin), a short course of steroids (especially when the condition is caught early), and NSAIDs.

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