As in any other chronic pain syndrome, the brain likely becomes chronically stimulated with pain, and late amputation may not work as well as it might be expected. In a survey of 15 patients with CRPS type 1, 11 responded that their lives were better after amputation. Since this is the ultimate treatment of a painful extremity, it should be left as a last resort. Prognosis
The prognosis in CRPS is improved with early and aggressive treatment; with the risk of chronic, debilitating pain being reduced with the early treatment. If treatment is delayed, however, the disorder can quickly spread to the entire limb, and changes in bone, nerve, and muscle may become irreversible. The prognosis is worse with the chronic "cold" form of CRPS and with CRPS affecting the upper extremities. Disuse of the limb after an injury or psychological distress related to an injury are also associated with a poorer prognosis in CRPS. Some cases of CRPS may resolve spontaneously (with 74% of patients undergoing complete resolution of symptoms (often spontaneously) in a population based study in Minnesota), but others may develop chronic pain for many years. Once one is diagnosed with CRPS, should it go into remission, the likelihood of it resurfacing after going into remission is significant. Taking precautions and seeking immediate treatment upon any injury is important. Epidemiology
CRPS can occur at any age, with the average age at diagnosis being 42.
Few reach middle age. Diagnosis  must be made within few days or even hours to prevent death. References


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