David S. Warner, M.D., Editor An Update on the Pathophysiology of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

objectives and disclosure and ordering information can be found in the CME section at the front of this issue. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain disorder with significant autonomic features. Few treat-ments have proven effective, in part, because of a historically poor understanding of the mechanisms underlying the dis-order. CRPS research largely conducted during the past de-cade has substantially increased knowledge regarding its pathophysiologic mechanisms, indicating that they are mul-tifactorial. Both peripheral and central nervous systemmech-anisms are involved. These include peripheral and central sensitization, inflammation, altered sympathetic and cat-echolaminergic function, altered somatosensory representa-tion in the brain, genetic factors, and psychophysiologi