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Allodynia (ALD)

Allodynia (ALD)

Allodynia (ALD) is a condition characterized by pain resulting from a stimulus that normally does not provoke pain. For example, a light touch such as a feather brushing the skin or wearing soft clothing can cause significant pain123.

Definition

• Pain caused by a normally non-painful stimulus167.
• Different from hyperalgesia, which is an exaggerated pain response to a normally painful stimulus36.

Types of Allodynia

• Mechanical (Tactile) Allodynia: Pain from light touch or pressure.
  • Static mechanical allodynia: Pain in response to a gentle touch or pressure.
  • Dynamic mechanical allodynia: Pain caused by light stroking or movement across the skin.
• Thermal Allodynia: Pain caused by mild temperature changes, such as cool or warm stimuli that are normally non-painful.
• Movement Allodynia: Pain triggered by normal movement of joints or muscles3458.

Causes and Associated Conditions

Allodynia is a symptom of various neuropathic and chronic pain conditions, including:

• Diabetes-related neuropathy
• Postherpetic neuralgia (shingles)
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraine headaches
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Nerve trauma or injury (e.g., stroke, amputation)
• Opioid-induced hyperalgesia
• Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
• Nutritional deficiencies and alcoholism23456.

Pathophysiology

• Caused by central sensitization, where the central nervous system (CNS) undergoes structural, functional, or chemical changes that heighten pain sensitivity.
• The CNS “security system” becomes overactive, sending pain signals in response to harmless stimuli2.
• Peripheral nerve injury or dysfunction can also contribute by abnormal nerve signaling.

Symptoms

• Pain described as sharp, burning, stinging, or aching triggered by light touch, temperature changes, or movement.
• Skin may feel extremely sensitive or painful even with gentle contact (e.g., brushing hair, clothing).
• Can significantly impair quality of life and daily activities248.

Diagnosis

• Clinical evaluation based on patient history and symptom description.
• Differentiation from hyperalgesia and other pain syndromes is important.
• No specific laboratory test; diagnosis is symptom-based67.

Treatment

• Focuses on managing the underlying cause (e.g., diabetes, migraine, nerve injury).
• Medications may include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, topical agents, and pain modulators.
• Non-pharmacological approaches: physical therapy, desensitization techniques, psychological support25.

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Definition	Pain from a stimulus that does not normally cause pain
Types	Mechanical (static and dynamic), thermal, movement-related allodynia
Causes	Neuropathic conditions (diabetes, shingles, fibromyalgia, migraine), nerve injury, medications
Mechanism	Central sensitization and abnormal peripheral nerve signaling
Symptoms	Burning, stinging, sharp pain from light touch, temperature changes, or movement
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment based on symptoms
Treatment	Treat underlying cause, medications (anticonvulsants, antidepressants), physical and psychological therapies

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References

1. Allodynia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537129/
2. Allodynia: What It Is, Causes, Treatment & Types – Cleveland Clinic
   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21570-allodynia
3. Allodynia – Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allodynia
4. Allodynia: Causes, types, and treatment – Medical News Today
   https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318867
5. Allodynia – The Pain Center of Arizona
   https://www.thepaincenter.com/conditions/allodynia/
6. Allodynia and Hyperalgesia in Neuropathic Pain – IASP
   https://www.iasp-pain.org/resources/fact-sheets/allodynia-and-hyperalgesia-in-neuropathic-pain/
7. Allodynia – Physiopedia
   https://www.physio-pedia.com/Allodynia
8. Allodynia: What Is It, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More – Healthline
   https://www.healthline.com/health/allodynia

Allodynia is a neuropathic pain symptom where normally non-painful stimuli cause pain due to nervous system sensitization. It is common in several chronic pain conditions and requires targeted treatment of the underlying cause.