Objective: To investigate the factors associated with development of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in stroke patients. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 84 stroke patients, who received inpatient care between January 2007 and June 2008, were reviewed. Records for each patient were reviewed for sex, type of stroke (hemorrhage or infarction), presence of diabetes or hypertension, hemiplegic side, muscle strength of the affected wrist joint at the time of admission, Brunnstrom stage, presence of spasticity and shoulder joint subluxation, and median nerve somatosensory evoked potential results. CRPS was diagnosed according to clinical findings and triphasic bone scan. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis of association between CRPS and clinical factors. Results: Among the 84 stroke patients, 21 (25.0%) developed CRPS. Incidence of CRPS was significantly higher in females, patients with wrist muscle strength less than MRC grade 2, Brunnstrom stage less than stage 4, spasticity, and shoulder subluxation. There was no significant difference in CRPS incidence according to hemiplegic side, type of stroke, presence of diabetes, hypertension, neglect and abnormal median nerve somatosensory evoked potential. Conclusion: Wrist muscle strength weakness, presence of spasticity and shoulder subluxation were found to be associated with the development of CRPS. Thorough initial evaluation and appropriate management should be implemented in patients presenting with such stroke-related conditions to prevent development of CRPS. (Clinical Pain 2010;9:77-81)

KeywordsComplex regional pain syndrome, Stroke, Muscle strength