05-10-2008, 12:19 PM
C is the correct answer
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, aka complex regional pain syndrome, is a mysterious
disorder that often occurs after injury to an extremity. It is thought to be due to formation of
an abnormal sympathetic reflex arc that becomes modulated by cortical inputs in times of
stress.
The key to this diagnosis is that it does not obey any specific nerve distribution and
symptoms reflect vasospasm.
Sympathetic reflexes are autonomic, consisting of a general visceral afferent (GVA) arm and general visceral efferent (GVE) arm. Even if you did not know the diagnosis, the episodic diaphoresis and vasodilation should point you towards an autonomic pathogenesis.
Special sensory afferents (SSA) are only involved in sensation of vision, hearing and balance.
General somatic afferents (GSA) provide sensation from all parts of the body except the gut, smooth muscle, and glands.
Special visceral afferents (SVA) sense taste and smell.
General somatic efferents (GSE) innervate somatic muscles.
Do you really have to remember these dreaded 3-letter abbreviations? Unfortunately yes, you are expected to recognize them quickly and know what they do.
GL
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, aka complex regional pain syndrome, is a mysterious
disorder that often occurs after injury to an extremity. It is thought to be due to formation of
an abnormal sympathetic reflex arc that becomes modulated by cortical inputs in times of
stress.
The key to this diagnosis is that it does not obey any specific nerve distribution and
symptoms reflect vasospasm.
Sympathetic reflexes are autonomic, consisting of a general visceral afferent (GVA) arm and general visceral efferent (GVE) arm. Even if you did not know the diagnosis, the episodic diaphoresis and vasodilation should point you towards an autonomic pathogenesis.
Special sensory afferents (SSA) are only involved in sensation of vision, hearing and balance.
General somatic afferents (GSA) provide sensation from all parts of the body except the gut, smooth muscle, and glands.
Special visceral afferents (SVA) sense taste and smell.
General somatic efferents (GSE) innervate somatic muscles.
Do you really have to remember these dreaded 3-letter abbreviations? Unfortunately yes, you are expected to recognize them quickly and know what they do.
GL