Allodynia, without an underlying condition, can be worsening over time


Serum Health Tips

Allodynia is a special type of nerve pain. One study estimated that it affects 6.9% to 10% of people around the world. It causes extreme sensitivity when one feels unexpected pain from nonpainful stimuli. Even a feather touching in skin can be painful. To wear clothes or even sudden temperature change experience pain.

There are mainly three types of allodynia, a) dynamic allodynia when pain results from an object moving across one skin, b) tactile allodynia when pain results from a gentle touch or pressure on the skin (shaking someone’s hand), and c) thermal allodynia when pain occurs due to mild change in temperature, that is, while moving from indoor to outdoor.

Why does it happen?
Sensitization occurs when a nerve is damaged and nerves become hypersensitive. This can cause the nerve endings to release higher quantities of neurotransmitters. This leads to nerve inflammation and allodynia or hyperalgesia. Allodynia can occur when nerves carry pain messages incorrectly, which may be due to a crossover of nerve fibres. Nerve damage can result from a health condition or injury or for no apparent reason. It can occur in the peripheral nervous system and lead to sensitization in the central nervous system.

Some conditions that cause allodynia
Firstly, Alcohol Disorder, secondly Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome, and thirdly, is Complex Regional Pain Symbol. Others include diabetes-related neuropathy, fibromyalgia, migraines, multiple sclerosis, post-herpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, and vitamin D or vitamin B deficiency. But after an injury emergence of allodynia is a common symptom. In many cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy medications for cancer treatment can lead to allodynia.

Diagnosis
br> The severity of pain has to be diagnosed by examining one’s pain on a scale. The scale has points from zero to 10 with 10 being the most painful. Then according to the need of a patient blood and urine tests as well as MRI or CT scan and EMG and Nerve conduction study are also prescribed.

Does allodynia last for long?
It depends from person to person. Sometimes it may go away on its own, particularly if this happens with migraine. The treatment addresses the cause and determines the duration of treatment.

The specialists suggest some conditions that can reduce the risk of allodynia. These are participating in regular activities, knowing one’s family history of fibromyalgia, stroke, or diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight, staying up to date in vaccination, eating well-balanced food, etc.