Open AccessThe Effect of Menthol on Cold Allodynia in Patients with Neuropathic Pain
Author(s) -
Wasner Gunnar,
Naleschinski Dennis,
Binder Andreas,
Schattschneider Jörn,
McLachlan Elspeth M.,
Baron Ralf
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
pain medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.893
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1526-4637
pISSN - 1526-2375
DOI - 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2007.00290.x
Subject(s) - allodynia , menthol , medicine , neuropathic pain , anesthesia , neuralgia , nociceptor , sensitization , hyperalgesia , nociception , chemistry , receptor , organic chemistry , immunology
Objective. Cutaneous application of menthol in healthy subjects induces cold allodynia via sensitization of cold‐sensitive nociceptors. We investigated the effects of menthol on preexisting cold allodynia in patients to test whether the allodynia was exacerbated. Design. In eight neuropathic pain patients (six of peripheral, two of central origin), 40% menthol was applied topically to an area of preexisting cold allodynia. Mirror‐image skin areas and aged‐matched healthy subjects served as controls in patients with unilateral and bilateral neuropathic pain, respectively. Prior to and after menthol, cold pain thresholds were measured using a thermotest device. Results. Menthol induced significant cold allodynia in control areas. However, in neuropathic areas, results were more heterogeneous. Overall, preexisting cold allodynia was not aggravated by topical menthol and was attenuated in 6/8 patients. Conclusions. These results suggest that, unlike in controls, menthol is not more hyperalgesic, but may be analgesic in some patients with peripheral and central neuropathic pain.