Characterization of Migraineurs Having Allodynia: Results of a Large Population-based Study

OBJECTIVE:Allodynia reflects the clinical correlate of central sensitization, but it is usually neglected in clinical headache management. We aimed to report the prevalence and previously unnoticed associations of allodynia in migraineurs by a nationwide face-to-face questionnaire-based study by physicians. METHODS:A total of 5323 households were examined for headache according to the diagnostic criteria of International Classification of Headache Disorders-II. Detailed headache features, premonitory signs, demographics, socio-economic status, and hormonal status of female individuals were analyzed with regard to the presence of allodynia in patients with definite migraine. RESULTS:Allodynia was present in 61.1% of migraineurs in the general population of Turkey. The duration and severity of attacks (P