Allodynia, Central Sensitization, and the Progression of Migraine

Why can something as simple as wearing earrings or taking a shower trigger pain when living with migraine? In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, is joined by leading headache specialist Dr. Richard Lipton to explore the phenomenon of allodynia—when normally non-painful touch becomes painful. They break down how this symptom develops through central and peripheral sensitization, why it can signal migraine progression, and how early treatment may help reverse it. You’ll also learn: What allodynia feels like How to tell if you have it (and why it matters) Which medications help—or hurt—when allodynia is present Why pain in other parts of the body often travels with migraine