What condition is characterized by an increase in response to a stimulus that is normally painful?

The condition characterized by an increased response to a stimulus that is normally painful is hyperalgesia. This phenomenon occurs when a person experiences heightened sensitivity to pain, meaning that an injury or painful stimulus elicits a more intense sensation of pain than would typically be expected.

In contrast, allodynia refers to pain due to a stimulus that does not usually provoke pain, such as light touch or mild pressure. Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the nerves, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including pain, but it is not specifically characterized by an increased response to painful stimuli. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that can cause widespread pain and other symptoms but does not specifically denote an exaggerated pain response to stimuli that are inherently painful.

Understanding hyperalgesia is crucial, particularly in the context of pain management and treatment, as it can influence how patients perceive pain and respond to various interventions.