Cold allodynia refers to pain caused by a normally non-painful cold stimulus.

It represents an abnormal sensory response in which innocuous cold exposure is perceived as painful.

Key Pointers

  • Category: Science & Health
  • Allodynia = pain from a stimulus that normally does not cause pain.
  • Cold allodynia specifically involves cold stimuli.
  • Can occur in certain:
    • Neuropathic conditions
    • Peripheral nerve disorders
    • Central sensitisation states
  • Different from hyperalgesia, where a normally painful stimulus causes an exaggerated pain response.

Prelims Focus: Allodynia = normally non-painful stimulus → pain.