Allodynia and migraine: what to know

Brushing hair, wearing glasses, resting on a pillow, or feeling clothing against the skin may hurt. The sensation can occur on the scalp or face and sometimes elsewhere on the body.

During a migraine attack, nerve networks that process pain can become sensitised. Signals from touch or temperature may then be interpreted as painful even though the contact has not damaged the skin.

Allodynia is different from tenderness caused by a cut, rash, infection, or bruise. Note whether it appears with headache, nausea, light sensitivity, dizziness, or other migraine features, and whether it settles when the attack ends.

Move to a calm, dim environment if that helps. Avoid tight headwear, heavy hair accessories, vigorous scalp massage, and very hot or cold packs on sensitive skin. Use prescribed or clinician-recommended migraine medicine according to its instructions; taking more than directed can create additional problems.

Keep a brief record of when touch sensitivity begins, where it occurs, accompanying symptoms, medicines taken, and the response. This can help a clinician judge whether the migraine plan needs adjustment.

Arrange a routine appointment if allodynia is new, is becoming more frequent, continues between attacks, or interferes with washing, sleep, or wearing clothes. A clinician can check for skin, nerve, dental, or other causes and review migraine treatment.

Seek urgent care for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, fainting, seizure, loss of vision, fever with neck stiffness, or headache after a significant head injury. These features require prompt assessment regardless of whether touch sensitivity is present.

Ask whether the pattern fits migraine-related allodynia, what other causes need consideration, when to use your acute medicine, and whether preventive treatment is appropriate. Mention any rash, persistent facial pain, altered sensation, or change in headache pattern.