A Case Narrative on Left Shoulder Hand Syndrome

Abstract

Background: The case report deals with Shoulder-hand syndrome which is relatively a rare clinical entity classified as a type 1 complex regional pain syndrome and it shows manifestations like a painful 'frozen shoulder' with disability, swelling, vasomotor or dystrophic changes in the homolateral hand. The pathophysiology of this syndrome isn't well understood but may involve a predominant sympathetic factor affecting the neural and vascular supply to the affected parts. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, noticeable changes in temperature and hypersensitivity (particularly to cold and touch). Case Presentation: A 52 year old female patient was admitted in general medicine department with complaints of neck pain for 1½ years, edema in both legs and restriction in movement of the left shoulder. She had a medical history of diabetes and hypertension. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment is most effective and can completely reverse the disease progression. The current therapy mainly focusses on alleviating the signs and symptoms of the disease rather than actual cure.