Hyperpathia

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Hyperpathia (pronounced: hi-per-path-ee-uh) is a medical condition characterized by an exaggerated response to painful stimuli. It is often associated with conditions such as neuropathy and neuralgia.

Etymology

The term "Hyperpathia" is derived from the Greek words "hyper" meaning "over" and "pathos" meaning "suffering" or "disease".

Definition

Hyperpathia is a clinical symptom of certain neurological disorders. It is characterized by an increased sensitivity to pain, or hyperalgesia, and a decreased threshold for pain. This means that stimuli which are normally mildly painful to most people are experienced as extremely painful by those with hyperpathia.

Causes

Hyperpathia is often associated with conditions that cause damage to the nerves, such as Peripheral Neuropathy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Postherpetic Neuralgia. It can also occur as a result of brain damage, such as that caused by a stroke or traumatic brain injury.

Symptoms

The main symptom of hyperpathia is an increased sensitivity to pain. This can manifest as a heightened response to a painful stimulus, or pain in response to a stimulus that would not normally cause pain. Other symptoms can include allodynia (pain from non-painful stimuli), and hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli).

Treatment

Treatment for hyperpathia typically involves managing the underlying condition causing the symptom. This can include medication to manage pain, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. Medications used can include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids.

See Also

External links

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