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Demonstration of Cutaneous Allodynia in Association with Chronic Pelvic Pain
Published on: June 23, 2009
Identifying cutaneous allodynia in chronic migraine using a practical clinical method
A Ashkenazi1, M Sholtzow, J W Shaw
1Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Headache Center, Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. avi.ashkenazi@jefferson.edu
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|January 30, 2007
Summary
Dynamic mechanical allodynia (brush allodynia) is common in chronic migraine patients. This sensitization, unlike in episodic migraine, persists even without an acute headache, indicating chronic neuronal changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Migraine Research
Background:
- Cutaneous allodynia is prevalent in migraine, but understudied in chronic migraine (CM).
- Allodynia presence correlates with reduced triptan efficacy, necessitating practical clinical assessment methods.
- Understanding allodynia patterns in CM is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of dynamic mechanical allodynia (brush allodynia) in chronic migraine patients.
- To evaluate a clinically practical method for assessing brush allodynia in CM.
- To explore associations between brush allodynia and patient characteristics in CM.
Main Methods:
- Prospective recruitment of 89 chronic migraine patients.
- Administration of a structured questionnaire on demographics and migraine history.
- Assessment of brush allodynia using a simple gauze pad test on various skin areas.
Main Results:
- Brush allodynia was present in 42.7% of CM patients.
- Allodynia prevalence was independent of age, disease duration, or acute headache exacerbation.
- A history of migraine aura was positively associated with brush allodynia.
Conclusions:
- Brush allodynia is common in chronic migraine and indicates chronic central sensitization.
- Clinical testing for brush allodynia is feasible and aids in identifying sensitized patients.
- Identifying allodynia influences treatment decisions for chronic migraine management.
