allodynia

Allodynia is a condition where normal, non-painful stimuli—like gentle touch, a breeze, or light pressure—cause pain or discomfort. It occurs because the nervous system becomes overly sensitive or misinterprets signals, often due to nerve damage or chronic pain conditions. Essentially, stimuli that typically shouldn't hurt become painful, leading to significant discomfort. Allodynia is common in conditions such as migraines, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia. It highlights how nerve pathways can malfunction, amplifying sensations and causing pain from normally harmless touches or stimuli.