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Central Sensitization

Meaning

A state of persistent, pathological hyperexcitability within the central nervous system, involving the spinal cord and brain, that results in an amplified response to both painful and non-painful stimuli. This neurological phenomenon is characterized by an abnormal increase in the gain of sensory processing, leading to allodynia (pain from non-painful stimuli) and hyperalgesia (increased pain from painful stimuli). It is a key mechanism underlying various chronic pain syndromes and can be exacerbated by hormonal and inflammatory dysregulation.