Cold Allodynia

Cold Allodynia Latest News

A team of researchers have identified the “brain circuit” that involves the sensations associated with a certain side effect of chemotherapy known as “cold allodynia”. 

About Cold Allodynia

• It is a nerve-related pain condition where even mild cold triggers intense burning or freezing sensations.
• It is a condition in which the sufferer may feel pain or distress from even a regular level of cold temperatures.
• Symptoms: It includes sharp, burning pain, tingling, and pins-and-needles sensations.

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Causes of Cold Allodynia 

• Diabetes: It can injure peripheral nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy, which may include cold allodynia.
• Chemotherapy: Certain cancer treatments affect nerve function and can cause painful cold sensitivity. Especially when oxaliplatin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug that contains platinum.
• Infections: Viral infections (e.g., shingles) can inflame nerves, sometimes causing persistent neuropathic pain.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can target the nervous system.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of B vitamins, particularly B12, can impair nerve health.

Treatments for Cold Allodynia 

• Medicines: Pregabalin, gabapentin, or duloxetine target nerve pain pathways.
• Topical treatments: Lidocaine or capsaicin creams can desensitize skin receptors and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also used.
• Lifestyle Changes: Keep feet warm, wear insulated socks and shoes. Use heated flooring pads or warm water soaks (avoid extremes of temperature).
• Alternative Therapies: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) delivers mild electrical currents to block pain pathways.

Source: IE