Dear Jerie, Kathy, Kitty, Tom & all affected -

I just saw this thread and can't believe - although of course I do - what you and others are going through.

And speaking of Dr. Schwartzman, check out what I came across this weekend: Complex regional pain syndrome with associated chest wall dystonia: a case report, Irwin DJ, Schwartzman RJ, J Brachial Plex Peripher Nerve Inj. 2011 Sep 26;6(1):6. [Epub ahead of print] FULL TEXT @ http://www.jbppni.com/content/pdf/1749-7221-6-6.pdf:

Abstract
Patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) often suffer from an array of associated movement disorders, including dystonia of an affected limb. We present a case of a patient with long standing CRPS after a brachial plexus injury, who after displaying several features of the movement disorder previously, developed painful dystonia of chest wall musculature. Detailed neurologic examination found palpable sustained contractions of the pectoral and intercostal muscles in addition to surface allodynia. Needle electromyography of the intercostal and paraspinal muscles supported the diagnosis of dystonia. In addition, pulmonary function testing showed both restrictive and obstructive features in the absence of a clear cardiopulmonary etiology. Treatment was initiated with intrathecal baclofen and the patient had symptomatic relief and improvement of dystonia. This case illustrates a novel form of the movement disorder associated with CRPS with response to intrathecal baclofen treatment.

PMID: 21943053 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21943053

Granted, the case report deals with a CRPS patient who had dystonia per se of the chest wall, but it was interesting to see that she responded to intrathecal baclofen treatment. I share it for what it's worth and wish all better days.

Mike

PS to Jerie: I leave it to your judgment whether this is worth sharing with your neurologist.