What is allodynia?

Allodynia refers to pain produced by stimuli that normally do not provoke pain.³³Cohen SP, Mao J. Neuropathic pain: mechanisms and their clinical implications. BMJ. 2014 Feb 5; 348:f7656, p4.

What causes allodynia?

Allodynia may result from decreased stimulation thresholds.³³Cohen SP, Mao J. Neuropathic pain: mechanisms and their clinical implications. BMJ. 2014 Feb 5; 348:f7656, p4.

Types of allodynia

Allodynia can be classified as mechanical (pain in response to light touch) or thermal, and it can readily be detected on physical examination. An example is a patient with diabetic neuropathy whose feet are sensitive to putting on socks.³⁴Cohen SP, Mao J. Neuropathic pain: mechanisms and their clinical implications. BMJ. 2014 Feb 5; 348:f7656, p4.

Allodynia vs. hyperalgesia

The main difference between allodynia and hyperalgesia is that allodynia refers to pain produced by stimuli that normally don’t provoke pain while hyperalgesia refers to increased pain from a stimulus that normally provokes pain.³⁵International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). Classification of Chronic Pain, 2nd Edition (Revised). Seattle, WA: IASP Press; 2012. p7.