Allodynia is a painful condition in which normal sensations, such as a light touch, light pressure or mild changes in temperature, are experienced as extremely painful sensations. It results from disruptions in the body pain pathways and begins with overactive nerve endings and ion channels, such as transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 and voltage‑gated sodium channels such as Nav1.8, which are markedly affected by inflammation and glial cell activity. Over time, the nervous system itself becomes hypersensitive with the pain centers of the brain, including the anterior cingulate cortex and insula, influencing not only the physical but also the emotional experience of pain. Doctors use such instruments as sensory testing, nerve fiber analysis and advanced imaging for a better understanding on these changes. Medication providing temporary relief includes gabapentinoids, serotonin‑norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, while some modified therapies are aimed at specific ion channels and immune pathways with promising results. Alongside the use of drugs, other methods such as spinal cord stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, cognitive behavioral therapy and mirror therapy aid in retraining the nervous system. Due to the individuality of the condition, the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral and rehabilitative treatments to restore the balance and to improve the quality of life of patients
