The Pain of Allodynia

By Tom Picerno

I’ve had migraine for about nine years now, and there have been lots of odd symptoms that I’ve experienced along the way. One of the more annoying ones is allodynia. The best way to describe allodynia is hypersensitivity in your body. Some people can get this on your extremities, but I get this from my shoulders up.

Allodynia in my neck and scalp

My neck is painfully sensitive, especially if I wear close-fitting garments like a shirt and tie. I, unfortunately, have to wear a shirt and tie to work. There are ways to sort of diminish the pain by wearing my shirt open and my tie a bit loose. It's not ideal, but it works. The other area that gets affected is my scalp. My hair hurts is how I usually describe the sensation. I've always worn my hair short, but now with this ultra-sensitivity, I keep it really short. It works for me, but it wouldn't work out too well for my female counterparts!

The pain worsens other symptoms

It is so painful at times that it makes other symptoms feel even more amplified. Fatigue across my neck and shoulders is worse with allodynia. I suffer from insomnia, and the scalp sensitivity makes it worse. It hurts to put my head on the pillow. I can feel exhausted, but the one-two punch of allodynia and insomnia feed off of each other.

Sleep apnea and allodynia

To make matters more difficult I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine to sleep. That just adds one more layer of unwanted stimuli. I try to stay as still as I can because moving hurts. It's like needles piercing my skull. I feel every hair! It sounds crazy, but this is so hard to describe.

Showering is painful

Showering is also a painful event. I feel bad for anyone who has this and has long hair. When my hair is a bit longer, I will wash it in sections as quickly as possible to avoid any additional contact with my head. The water hurts much less than if my hands touch my hair. Perhaps it’s the hot water that I find soothing.

The benefits of wearing a hat

Medications don't really have any effect that I've noticed regarding allodynia. I wear a hat frequently to control the pain. The closeness of the material is somehow comforting to me after I get past the initial discomfort of actually putting the hat on! Another benefit of wearing a hat is that it shields my eyes from overhead lights and the sun. Allodynia also amps up my photophobia, so wearing a hat is a necessary evil most days.

My experience with allodynia and migraine

I know everybody has different symptoms that accompany their migraine, but I thought I would take a moment and share one of mine. There is quite a bit of information on allodynia out there, so I urge you to look it up. You may even find yourself having a conversation with your doctor at your next visit!

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glassmind
Oh, I totally understand. My skin is always hyper sensitive to texture, temperature and pressure. During the worst migraine attack, everything hurts! I end up either in my special migrain jammies (the softest I own and reserved for migraines) or nude. And I suffer from needing cool air to allieviate the head pain, but warmth to allieviate cold hand and feet. Showers are the worst! I will usually "cat bath" with a cloth, which on an ordinary day feels like normal cotton, but during a migraine has transformed to sandpaper. If a showeris necessary, then grin and bare it mode is employed. I shower in the dark and have hand grips to steady myself from vertigo, etc. I have EDS also and find theraputic pain relief for that in compression garments, but Migraine refusesto accept such clothes. Aaaaaahhhh! I also keep my hair very short as the touch of my own hair on my skin can be a pain source and nearly every day of my life one condition or another leaves me with only enough energy to care for short hair. I stuggle to find relief for photophobia due to allodinia also. Sunglasses make my face and temples hurt. An eye mask is excriciating! I was gifted a headache pillow and after one trual, it sits abandoned as the weight of the lovely scented sack is intollerable. Anyway.... Just frustrated lamentaion-in-arms. Lol Thanks for sharing and raising awareness!
1. deana
 I have tried nerve stimulators three times because they are the only thing that really helped my migraines. Unfortunately, I had to have two removed less than a month due to post op infections. The first time (2013), when my doctor told me I needed to go check into the hospital to have it removed, I cried. Before they put me out, he promised that if there were any possible way to just clean out the infected area and keep any part of it in (i.e. just take the wires out & leave the unit in place), he would. The first thing I asked when I was coming out of anesthesia was if he was able to keep it in and when he told me he couldn’t, I could feel the tears rolling down my face as I faded back out again. I was in the hospital for 4 days and I cried all night that first night and off and on the next day. It turned out to be MRSA and I had to heal for several months before trying again. I didn’t get an infection the second time but they couldn’t place it in quite the same spot and it didn’t work as well although, oddly, just the placement of the wires without even turning it on seemed to improve the pain. In 2017, it was determined that the wires had shifted and were no longer in a place that would stimulate the right area so we tried replacing it but MRSA reared its ugly head again and I was told I it had to be removed and that I’m no longer a candidate for surgery and will probably be considered high risk for ANY kind of surgery in the future. Now I’m having trouble with MRSA in general and am trying to decolonize my skin using a protocol from an infectious disease doctor. If they would have let me try again, though, I absolutely would have—that’s how much it helped! It was clear my headaches were much worse without the device and I was really in a bad place emotionally between not be able to have a replacement and not being allowed to have any opiates due to the current “war” being waged against them. Then the FDA approved the CGRP drug class and I found a doctor willing to prescribe Aimovig. I’ve been on it for about 6 months now and, although it doesn’t help as much, it does make a significant difference. Also, they are now coming out with EXTERNAL trans-cranial stimulators that do the same thing as the internal ones, so I would suggest you research those and try a CGRP medication before trying surgery.  
2. rachelc1809
 Thank Deana. I am on Aimovig currently as well. Now after hearing that the wires can shift I am slightly apprehensive. And I certainly don’t want to get MRSA, as I know we all have a touch of that naturally. That you for this increased info.
sadbrain1
I have come close to shaving off all the hair on my head many times. Just the weight of my hair on my scalp is extremely painful.
1. rachelc1809
 I e threatened to do this .... never have though ... figured the sound would be too much to bear
janeth
OMG, YES. Although it sounds like compared to others, I have it mild. After a migraine, if I run my hand/fingers through my hair (which is thick), certain parts of my scalp are VERY sensitive. My husband gets cluster headaches, has even thicker hair, and is also familiar with the "my hair hurts!" phenomenon. Two things help me. I have a wonderful paddle hairbrush from Aveda. For some reason, bending over and GENTLY brushing my hair feels good. Taking a bath and again, gently shampooing and massaging my scalp feel good. For awhile, I was using Aveda Rosemary/Mint shampoo,which someone in a comments section from an article elsewhere on migraines recommended. I don't have any of that particular brand anymore, but the slight tingly feeling of the mint felt good, and it smells good (at least to me). I'm not a spokesperson for that company, BTW. It's just that I've had good luck with both items. I'm using another shampoo right now, and to be frank, brand doesn't make that much difference, considering the price of Aveda. But I will swear by my hairbrush.
1. billo
 Try filling a small bottle with apple cider vinegar and put a few snips of rosemary in the bottle, keep it in the bathroom and pour a small amount into an 8 oz. glass fill with warm water and rinse your scalp with the mixture, let stand for a minute or two and rinse. I was doing this before I knew about Allodynia and it helped.
lorraine123
My hair hurts, always, at this point pretty much constantly, even when I don't have a migraine. I wear my hair up and basically try not to touch my scalp. I also need to keep my hair and scalp squeaky-clean or it gets much worse. I've found, really, that that's the best solution. I also noticed that my upper arm can ache when I'm developing a migraine - I knew someone who could tell one was coming on because she developed a really sore arm so I don't think that that symptom is all that uncommon, either.
nanquist
OMG! I have never heard that term Allodynia before. About 20 years ago I had migraines almost everyday. I kept describing this pain on my scalp as being like my nerve endings are exposed on my head. Like there was no skin covering. The doctors had never heard that before and thought it was ‘all in my head”. They sent me to a shrink. I didn’t go. Eventually I got a new doctor and he gave me amitriptyline for bedtime as well as imitrex when needed. I still get migraines especially during seasonal changes( I live in New England). I had one yesterday and today my scalp on top does hurt but not horrible. I will look allodynia up. Thanks for sharing!
deannalynn
I can't believe this is the first I am hearing about this. Sometimes I feel that my doctor either doesn't know or won't listen. Sometimes I hurt from the top of my head to the tips of my toes and sometimes it's from my shoulders up. The feeling is so hard to describe to someone who doesn't know what it's like. Thank you so much for sharing this. I will be sure to read more on Allodynia!
billo
thank you for bringing this to light, ALLODYNIA, I have it but did not realize what was going on. Your case seems more severe. I mentioned this to my doctor and he looked at me like i was hallucinating. Nothing offered on his end but at least I now know what i am experiencing.
christinemary
Finally someone else understands about scalp pain.... Does anyone else have skull pain, like a bruise, as I do, as well??? Thanks for this article.
1. rachelc1809
 I do! I just attributed it to my migraine
kavitaj
Wow! I’ve had this scalp pain for over 10 years! I didn’t know it had a name, not that it was related to my migraines!!!
dinamay
My hair hurts too! The weight of it hanging down was unbearable, when it was long. The thin elastic of my sleep mask hurts too much when I have a migraine, so I put a hand towel over my head. Even that is too much at times
1. rachelc1809
 Oh my god! This is so me! The idea of showering kills me. So much so I had to cup the water to “apply” it. That is how bad it hurts. But I’ve since changed out the shower head to a rain shower head to make to make “tolerable” but on bad days I can’t stand the shower.
kimmysue
This article is so spot on! I’ve suffered with migraine since I was 9 years old (now 44). I’ve tried everything and anything but Allodynia is the one thing I complain about the most besides the daily pain. Nothing helps!! Hard to explain to someone who doesn’t experience migraine that your hair hurts!! Thank you for your great articles. They make me feel like others know how I feel
scteacher
Tom...bless you and thank you for putting a name to the new symptoms that have been torturing me recently. Along with migraines, I also have TN and ON, so I reached out to my neuralgia group for help. Although there were certainly people who could relate and sympathize, they were as baffled as I was. You are an angel and have given a name my newest nightmare. I can take that name, allodynia, to my neurologist. Much appreciation!!!
rachelc1809
Oh my god! I thought I was going crazy when they finally diagnosed me with this! It took them long enough to did and I was the one to bring up the diagnosis name! The dr wouldn’t say it! I’m so glad others know this feeling and I’m not alone in knowing how horrible this feels all over.
dreamsdoamanda
omg all my family think im mad when I say sometimes the water form the shower stings and burns my skin and its not even hot . Thank god its not just me with another bloody symptom that I thought was stupid ‍♀️
thekimberly75
I don’t have the symptoms of Allodynia, not the way you submit them. What I experience is an overall body sensitivity to touch and other very specific things. An example: I cannot stand to get into the shower anymore. Haven’t for years. I actually grew up taking baths, so they’re my favorite but I don’t always have the time I like to give them. Showers can often help my migraine pain in one regard: they beat hot sheets of water against my neck and shoulders which are always rock hard from carrying so much tension, and that helps to relax me like no massage ever could. The Basics: My migraine affected areas also include my jaw, neck, shoulder, and upper quadrant of my back. The pain can be on either side, switch back and forth several times within an episode, but the pain is only ever on one side at a time, never both. I can get very sick with the pain, feeling nauseated, throwing up, having dry heaves, which is the worst of all because your guts are trying to hack up something that’s not there, so what do I get up? Bile. Nasty tasting bile. Yuck! And things can be affected on the toilet as well. Usually it’s just constipation from the opiates, but when I’m full-body sick with a severe migraine Everyhing is kitty-I am extremely sensitive to smells, flashing or high contrast lights, loud obnoxious noises, flashes of edited scenes in a movie meant to prolong your ADD Personally, I like quiet, lumbering films, ones I can watch someone walk down a corridor or through tall grass, and that walk performs an insight into the character. It doesn’t just get cut cuz there’s no action in it.) Anyway, now you’ve got the gist. So, Back to the issue with the shower: I’ve always had sensitive skin, in as much as after a shower or bath I couldn’t really get dressed for nearly an hour afterwards because my skin was too sensitive. It was like the hairs on my body were still on end. And they probable there! As an adult, I learned to shower in cooler water and that helped a little bit but nothing noteworthy. Seriously, back when we were still wearing them, I’d look at my mom get out of the tub, dry off, and then run right over and start pulling on her pantyhose! OMG! Every cell in my body screamed, “NO! I’m not ready yet!” I do have a trick that works tho. My maternal grandmother used to bathe my sister and me when we were kids staying at their farm, and because the house was so cold, when we were finished she’d wrap us up in an extra towel, tell us to climb into her bed, and then she’d cover us up, and start rubbing her hands over the blankets like you do when you’re trying to rub life back into their extremities. And it worked! We got so warm and toasty and giggly! I learned to do it for myself as an adult. In bed or out. Sitting or standing. And I use extra towels too! (just use em again! Not everything has to be washed!)! So, potting on lotion helps too. It sort of seems to smooth the skim somehow. Does any of that fit under your criteria? Oh, and I can’t stand to be touched during this period, either. Sorry for the jumbled response. I just woke up and need my coffee today!
auntieheather
I have this problem but not always. I keep my hair shorter for this reason.
kathybishopuk
Yep same here. It’s like thousands of tiny knots all over my scalp. Tight sore shoulders and neck and generally feeling nauseous and crap really! I use a migra cap which is in the freezer. I have two as they warm up quite quickly. You wear it on your head but obviously you can’t wear it outside!
1. nece
 I have the pain and tightness in my shoulders. Started with a new neurologist/pain specialist last year and asked him about it. There is a nerve the goes from the front of the scalp down to the back and into the shoulders. I felt like crying as I always thought it was me!
rachelc1809
We are NOT alone! ✋
cintrovert
I don't know if this is the same thing but I get what I call "bugs crawling" under my skin. Luckily it is a warning that a migraine is on it's way rather than a symptom that is part of the ongoing migraine . It is very painful especially un
1. cintrovert
 Under my scalp. The only thing that helps it go away is for the migraine to start. Then there is a whole new story of pain!
eieio
When I saw the heading for this article, I thought it would address scalp itch as a crummy side effect of most pain meds, including codeine & Hydrocodone. But it didn’t. I thought I was unique until my sister, who uses oxycodone for major post-surgical back pain, told me she takes an antihistamine to help lighten the crazy scalp itch she also gets from the pain meds. Although this is a migraine blog, I wondered if anyone else deals with scalp itch if they use an opiate for migraine symptoms as well as the other 5 types of headaches I’ve been getting for the past 30+ years. And if anyone does, do you also use an antihistamine to block the itchy side effects of the pain med ? I was under the impression I had seborrhoeic dermatitis (aka dandruff) but without flakes. Pretty bad skin inflammation made worse by scratching. But no medicated shampoos relieved the itch, which I eventually recognized as a side effect of my opiate pain meds.
1. Holly Harding Moderator
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3836087" username="eieio"/> - (love your username, btw)- So sorry you are dealing with this pain/itchiness as a side effect from the opioid pain meds. To that end, I wanted to share with you a couple of other resources we have on the topic of allodynia. This video discusses treatment ideas (as do some community members in the comment section following the video): <a href='https://migraine.com/video/secret-allodynia-dealing-hair-pain/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://migraine.com/video/secret-allodynia-dealing-hair-pain/</a> And the following article has loads of community comments following it- which you might peruse and find some solutions that suit the itchiness issue of which you speak: <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/scalp-hair-pain/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/scalp-hair-pain/</a> Hope that helps! Keep in touch and thank you for being a part of our community.
headpain247
I have these symptoms too! Never knew there was a name for it. I shave my head on a regular basis but if I let it grow a little and have a bad migraine, I have to completely shave it. I have had chronic daily migraines for 13 years. Hypersensitivity to light, sound, smell, hair hurting, full body fatigue (feeling like I was hit by a bus)! Constant feeling like I have 500lbs across my shoulders. My migraines are daily!! Sometimes a hat or bandanna on my head kind of equals out the pressure. Sometimes eyeballs feeling like they are going to shoot out of my head. Burning. Sometimes blown blood vessels in my eyes, and definitely bloodshot eyes!
1. Holly Harding Moderator
 Hi there, <inline-mention user-id="3761829" username="headpain247"/> - thanks so much for sharing some of your journey with us. So sorry to hear you experience allodynia along with so many other migraine symptoms. Chronic migraine is indeed exhausting, especially for those of us who experience it daily. The full body fatigue you describe is common and comprehensive. I thought you might be interested in this article regarding this phenomenon: <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/chronic-bodys-slow-leak/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/chronic-bodys-slow-leak/</a> Also, this video discusses treatment ideas for allodynia (as do some community members in the comment section following the video): <a href='https://migraine.com/video/secret-allodynia-dealing-hair-pain/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://migraine.com/video/secret-allodynia-dealing-hair-pain/</a> Thinking of you and glad you're a part of our community. Please stay in touch!
kathyinpain
I have these symptoms. I thought I was crazy Really. I can't lay my head on a pillow. My neck and shoulders hurt. It's miserable.
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 @KathyinPainyou are not crazy at all! I have a really hard time when allodynia is kicking my butt. That pain combined with tinnitus feeds into insomnia on more nights than I'd like. I feel your pain! Tom(migraine.com team)
runsinthefamily
I felt I was reading about myself and my odd yet very painful parts of Migraine (I have had them since a young child ) My fatigue in arms(especially the upper part of my arm the tiniest touch or wrong fitting bra/clothes etc) Pain is unbearable, my legs are weak, Hands/feet deep pain! My SCALP hurts so much it brings me to tears . I have long curly and can’t was every day, I tried many “healing scalp shampoo” no different. It comes from within not totally topical. If I wear earrings or my glasses my ears throb eventually they break out in ugly little sores and Is more even more painful . Anyone else have this I’d love it hear. So often we Migraine Folks brush of pain and say ...it’s just ME! Sometimes it’s not just You Thanks for your letter
1. glassmind
 Heather, Thank you for sharing and adding your voice to the community. Allodynia can be such a frustrating and, yes, painful symptom. And so challenging for others to understand. I truly empathize. While having an attack my everything hurts. Flu like aches and pains, sensitivity to touch, etc. My own hair hurts! I have special pajamas just for attacks as my regular clothes (already soft due to allergies) are unbearable. I will even wander about the house nude! Lol The extra bonus is the pain of trying to use ear plugs or an eye mask to combat phono and photo phobias. Ofta. And my poor pets and family. They want to cuddle, to offer a gentle touch on the arm, but this will spike my head pain. I wish the best for you in managing and finding relief for this and all your migraine symptoms. Air hugs
2. cymart
 Your earplug comment is interesting. I know when I am heading there because I have to take out my hearing aides
nece
Yes! My problem is wearing jewelry. I know the migraine is starting when I take off my earrings, followed by any necklace and finally rings. By the time I get there, I hope I am at home in a dark room.
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3804689" username="nece"/> I hope that doesn't happen too often! Sometimes it can be the slightest touch that causes pain huh. Tom (migraine.com team)
rachelc1809
I suffer from Allodynia in my neck and I hate when someone touches the right side of my neck or when water is directly hitting the right side of my neck. Hurts me deeply when my husband is joking around with me and I have to pull away due to the pain
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3862649" username="rachelc1809"/> It's hard to constantly live with the pain of allodynia. I hope the pain is not constant for you. I hope your husband understands the reason you pull away is due to allodynia and not anything else! Tom (migraine.com team)
ucchrismarie
I have this! When I first started getting migraines in 2014, I couldn’t stand to be touched-anywhere! It took years for me to realize it was migraine related and it severely affected my marriage.
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3701601" username="ucchrismarie"/> I'm sorry you have to endure the pain of allodynia. I can understand how limiting physical contact can be a big issue in a marriage. I'm sorry to hear that you had to deal with that as well. Tom (migraine.com team)
cymart
Yes I feel I have some form of this. My head has various areas which feel bruised. And the sensitivity of my neck can be really bad. Hot showers DO HELP. Sometimes I go to bed with a ThermaCare heating piece around my neck and that also helps, but once I take it off and the area cools off, the sensitivity comes back. I am just putting off the inevitable.
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 @CindyLee I understand your pain. The Thermacare patch is a great idea! I currently use a sock filled with rice and I heat it in the microwave. I just keep reheating it to keep the pain at bay. Tom (migraine.com team)
majacar
I also have allydonia. I’m always light sensitive, my clothes burn my body, and my hair hurts. I wear a tight headband everyday to keep pressure on my temples like the guy in the article uses a hat.
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3756176" username="majacar"/> I'm sorry to hear that you have to endure the pain of allodynia. I'm glad the headband is helpful. Tom (migraine.com team)
lizzietishlizard5566
What a wonderful share. Although I have had migraines -- diagnosed for over 25 years --- it was not until the past 10 that I learned there is a medical term for my hair hurting. And I'm a nurse! 😉) I, too, thought I was alone. And crazy. It's so interesting how what we can't objectively see or quantify, with patients or ourselves, we question sometimes. I've found real relief in regular myofascial work and physical therapy at least once a week. My PT does the jaw intra-oral muscular TMJ release for migraine pain in my skalines and other neck muscles. Dry needling is also really helpful for me in conjunction with the western medicine practices and meds recommended by my neurologist. (Licensing is different state to state on who can perform dry needling). Good luck!!
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3890627" username="lizzietishlizard5566"/> Thanks for sharing with the community. I've not tried physical therapy yet, but I have had several acupuncture sessions. Tom (migraine.com team)
melloodee63
This explains a lot. I always had long hair and I cut it off to a Pixie cut about 5 years ago. My hair hurts is an accurate description!
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3719332" username="melloodee63"/> I'm glad you got some good information from the article. Have you found the pixie cut to be helpful for your sensitivity? Tom(Migraine.com team)
elovett
Wow, I did not know that my painful scalp was called allydonia. My neck is sensitive too. My scalp has a low grade ring of fire/burning sensation. When it bad it feels like when you touch a car that's been sitting in the sun ,but cant pull you hand off it. Two years ago I began getting my hair cut high and tight. Close on sides and only 1.5 Inches on top due to the pain. Thanks for sharing
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3731382" username="elovett"/> I'm glad you now have a name for your sensitivity. I think keeping the hair very short does help quite a bit too. Tom(Migraine.com team)
lightweaver
++ +Thanks for telling me about my odd sensations.
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3879534" username="lightweaver"/> you are quite welcome! Tom(migraine.com team)
nails
Things rings 100% true with me. And to hear that shorter hair isn’t as painful makes me want to shave my head. Thanks for sharing.
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3709425" username="nails"/> I'm glad the article resonated with you! I definitely find that keeping my hair short is a good way to cut the sensitivity.Tom(migraine.com team)
rosie716
I didn't know that the "feelings" I also have had a name, Allodynia! I get the pain across the shoulders into the neck. mM hair actually hurts near the scalp and it hurts to lie on a pillow. As much as I LOVE the sun and need it it is a curse and causes pain. I totally understand what you mean! Thanks for giving it a name!
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3867740" username="rosie716"/> Thanks for your comment! I'm glad the article resonated with you and you can now put a name to your sensitivity. Tom(migraine.com team)
danish
Hi mr Tom Picerno I used to have the same problem It's due to excessive gas buildup in ur stomach From the time I have started using KAYAM churan one tablet daily at night after dinner Imy problem is reduced almost 70% U could also give it a try hope it works for u
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3841101" username="danish"/> I have not heard of Kayam Churan before. I will have to check it out. I am currently on omeprazole for reflux so I will check with my doctor and make sure there will be no contraindications with the medications I take. Tom (migraine.com team)
tmathews
I've had migraines since childhood but only recently have I noticed how sore and painful my scalp has become. I watched my dad suffer from migraines and I always thought it strange as a kid to see him take a belt or a strip of cloth and tie it around his head very tightly; he said the counter pressure seemed to help with the throbbing. So you comment about wearing a hat made sense to me. BTW I do the same thing, except I use a tie.
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 @TMatthews I know some of the things we do to get relief may seem odd, but if something helps it just helps! I'm glad to see you've found an alternate use of a tie! Tom(migraine.com team)
2. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3903146" username="marti"/> It's amazing the number of people that bind their heads to get some relief from the throbbing of a migraine attack. Thanks for posting your comment! Tom(migraine.com team)
lisajav
My skin is so sensitive after Migraine; especially after a 2 day episode and get into that much needed shower. I have to have luke warm water instead of usual hot water.
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3807271" username="lisajav"/> I feel for you! I know just how uncomfortable a shower can be when you are suffering from hypersensitivity. Thanks for joining the forum! Tom(migraine.com team)
anne-7
Tom..have you ever heard of InterX therapy..I had v v severe Allodynia and the sheets in the bed wiuld hurt my toes..InterX . U train to treat yourself and Our Brainoves
1. Tom Picerno Moderator
 @Anne7 Thanks for the tip! I had not heard of InterX therapy. I will have to check it out and learn more about it. I am currently using a neuromodualtion device that seems to be helping quite a bit. Tom(migraine.com team)
2. nece
 Thankfully, this doesn't happen as often since I started Botox. I have found the migraines are less often and less severe.
anne-7
Tom..have you ever heard of InterX therapy..I had v v severe Allodynia and the sheets in the bed wiuld hurt my toes..InterX . U train to treat yourself and Our Brain loves it as it 100% releases over a 1000 Neurotransmitters from 3 areas of brain the main one Our Natural Morphine ..Along with numerous anti inflammatories..check out <a href='http://interxclinic.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>interxclinic.com</a> Dr Zulia Frost is World Expert I trained with her.. InterX is a type of Neuromodulation which is amazing for Nerve Pain Acute And Chronic Pain..my profile is anne7 i think ...rarely on here but your symptoms you describe could be 100% treated ...there is a lighter model that one can purchase from Dr Zulia Frost..i have trained Clients and they get their lives back..sadly Drs know its amazing but no prescriptions required so they dong refer people ..8 years afer attending my Pain Specialist and was 9/10 Pain..InterX gave me amazing quality ..Allodynia has never really returned. Kindest Regards..not familiar with this site and posting but hope Tom reads it ask me any question if i know the answer I will tell you. Anne 7
1. jmsmigraines
 Anne7 this sounds very interesting. I can't take most pain killers due to allergies. Would love to have something to help this most annoying symptom of my migraines. My head tends to feel like someone has bashed me in the head, my hair hurts......Before I read this article, I didn't realize it was all part and parcel of the migraines, but since they either precede or occur with the migraines and are not there at other times, it makes sense. jmsmigraines
2. MelanieM Admin
 Goodness jmsmigraines, I am sorry to hear how much you suffer. I am sorry to hear that you are unable to take painkillers- by painkillers, which medicines are you referring to? Have you ever discussed triptans with any of your doctors? This is a type of migraine medicine that was developed specifically for migraines, and while not everyone can tolerate them, they do help most sufferers: <a href='https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/triptans/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/triptans/</a>. I hope you are able to find something that brings you relief. ~Melanie (Migraine.com team member)
17hbuji
I have had allodynia for years. All of the above. My hair will fall out along with it. Sometimes the scalp even gets sores. I do find if I avoid bread, carbs, yeast products, I suffer with it much less. So an inflammatory reaction. As far as the eye pain and redness, the ophthalmologist did a laser procedure to prevent glaucoma for narrow angles, it did help a lot. I was getting broken blood vessels and that has stopped. It took years and many eye doctors until finally one said the angle can narrow in dark conditions due to the pupil dilating. Not 100% but much improved. Sometimes you have to think outside the box. Not all doctors are created equal. I think once we have a Migraine diagnosis, the medical community stops looking for other causes of our symptoms. Makes the situation that much more difficult for us.
1. MelanieM Admin
 Hi 17hbuji, thanks for sharing with us! I am glad you were able to make the connection that bread, carbs and yeast products make it worse for you. Very interesting. Also the laser procedure! Glad to hear you have been able to make some changes and feel better as a result. Warmly- ~Melanie (Migraine.com team member)