hyperalgsie

Hyperalgesia, sometimes rendered as hyperalgesie in some languages, is a heightened sensitivity to painful stimuli, resulting in pain that is more intense than would be expected from a given stimulus. It is distinct from allodynia, where ordinarily non-painful stimuli provoke pain.

There are two commonly recognized forms. Primary hyperalgesia occurs at the site of tissue injury and reflects peripheral sensitization, where nociceptors become more responsive due to inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins, bradykinin, and cytokines. Secondary hyperalgesia extends beyond the injured area and is driven mainly by central sensitization, a state of increased excitability in the spinal cord and brain that amplifies pain signals and can involve wind-up and changes in descending pain modulation.

Hyperalgesia can arise in the setting of acute injury, postoperative states, inflammatory conditions (for example arthritis), neuropathic disorders, and some chronic pain syndromes. It may be accompanied by allodynia in which non-painful stimuli become painful. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by quantitative sensory testing in some cases, and by evaluating responses to analgesic treatment and other pain features.

Management centers on addressing the underlying cause and reducing pain through multimodal strategies. Treatments may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, anticonvulsants or antidepressants for neuropathic components, topical agents, and physical therapy. Psychological approaches and rehabilitation can help manage the impact of heightened pain sensitivity. In selected cases, regional anesthesia or targeted nerve blocks may provide temporary relief. Prognosis depends on the underlying condition; hyperalgesia can resolve with healing in acute injuries but may persist as part of chronic pain if central sensitization is sustained.