Allodynia
Pronunciation: al-oh-DIN-ee-uh
A pain response elicited by a stimulus that would not normally cause pain, such as light touch or temperature, indicative of central or peripheral sensitisation.
Full Definition
Allodynia is a clinical sign commonly associated with neuropathic pain conditions, including complex regional pain syndrome, post-herpetic neuralgia, and central sensitisation following spinal cord injury. It is classified by stimulus type: tactile allodynia (touch-evoked), thermal allodynia (temperature-evoked), and mechanical allodynia. Editors must not confuse allodynia with hyperalgesia, which involves an exaggerated pain response to a normally painful stimulus, rather than pain from a non-painful one. Both may coexist and both are relevant to rehabilitation program design.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use interchangeably with 'hyperalgesia'. Allodynia = pain from a non-painful stimulus; hyperalgesia = amplified pain from a painful stimulus. Verify which is intended in source documents before editing.
In Context
- "Allodynia to light touch over the dorsum of the hand was confirmed on sensory examination." — Complex regional pain syndrome assessment
- "The presence of allodynia guided the decision to avoid conventional massage techniques in the early treatment phase." — Physiotherapy treatment plan