Allodynia

This condition refers to the abnormal experience of pain from a non-painful stimulation on the skin, such as a very light touch. It is a severe type of migraine, whose frequency, intensity, years of suffering with it have a direct relationship with its presence and severity.

Allodynia is characterized by sensitization at the heart of the pain center, and has over excitable pain nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. It has three sub-types:

• Tactile: Here, pain is generated by gentle pressure or light touch.

• Mechanical: Pain is generated by something that brushes across your skin, such as wearing clothes, applying lotion, etc.

• Thermal: Pain is generated from heat or cold.

Treatment: Medications that help treat Allodynia include Tramadol, Morphine, Lidocaine or painkillers like Vicoden or Norco, Percocet and Oyxcontin.

Precaution: If Allodynia occurs often, use prevention methods such as avoiding touch, avoiding pain stimulating temperatures and avoid wearing clothes made of textured fabrics. For severe pain control, endogenous opioids can be given.

• Next >>
• << Back