Journal article
Denying the truth does not change the Facts: A systematic analysis of pseudoscientific denial of complex regional pain syndrome
Journal of Pain Research, Vol.14, pp.3359-3376
2021
Abstract
Purpose: Several articles have claimed that complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) does not exist. Although a minority view, it is important to understand the arguments presented in these articles. We conducted a systematic literature search to evaluate the methodological quality of articles that claim CRPS does not exist. We then examined and refuted the arguments supporting this claim using up-to-date scientific literature on CRPS.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Inclusion criteria for articles were (a) a claim made that CRPS does not exist or that CRPS is not a distinct diagnostic entity and (b) support of these claims with subsequent argument(s). The methodological quality of articles was assessed if possible.
Results: Nine articles were included for analysis: 4 narrative reviews, 2 personal views, 1 letter, 1 editorial and 1 case report. Seven points of controversy were used in these articles to argue that CRPS does not exist: 1) disagreement with the label “CRPS”; 2) the “unclear” pathophysiology; 3) the validity of the diagnostic criteria; 4) CRPS as a normal consequence of immobilization; 5) the role of psychological factors; 6) other identifiable causes for CRPS symptoms; and 7) the methodological quality of CRPS research.
Conclusion: The level of evidence for the claim that CRPS does not exist is very weak. Published accounts concluding that CRPS does not exist, in the absence of primary evidence to underpin them, can harm patients by encouraging dismissal of patients’ signs and symptoms.
Details
- Title
- Denying the truth does not change the Facts: A systematic analysis of pseudoscientific denial of complex regional pain syndrome
- Authors/Creators
- K.D. Bharwani (Author/Creator)A.B. Kersten (Author/Creator)A. Stone (Author/Creator)F. Birklein (Author/Creator)S. Bruehl (Author/Creator)M. Dirckx (Author/Creator)P.D. Drummond (Author/Creator)J. Gierthmühlen (Author/Creator)A. Goebel (Author/Creator)L. Knudsen (Author/Creator)F.J.P.M. Huygen (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Journal of Pain Research, Vol.14, pp.3359-3376
- Publisher
- Dove Press
- Identifiers
- 991005540310607891
- Copyright
- © 2021 Bharwani et al.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Allied Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.43 Anesthesiology
- 1.43.1905 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Web Of Science research areas
- Clinical Neurology
- ESI research areas
- Neuroscience & Behavior